Purpose: The article's main aim is to present issues related to the importance of business environment institutions (BEIs) in creating startup ecosystems, particularly in developing the Wrocław startup ecosystem. The specific goal is to identify the most important actors of the Wrocław ecosystem and present the offer of business environment institutions operating in the city, along with their assessment. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the intended goals, the author based her considerations on analyzing the literature on the subject, using both Polish and foreign sources, including scientific articles and reports prepared by Polish and foreign organizations. The analysis of business environment institutions in Wrocław was based on information available on the official websites of these entities, e.g., araw.pl or startupwroclaw.pl. Additionally, in the last part, the author used the results of empirical research conducted in the form of individual in-depth interviews among startups, BEIs, and experts rooted in the Wrocław startup ecosystem to learn the respondents' opinions on the quality of the institutional environment of the ecosystem in which they operate. Findings: Business environment institutions are a vital element of effective startup ecosystems worldwide. Access and support from these institutions play an important role for startups, and their importance is constantly growing. Wrocław is well-rated as an ecosystem, offering a wide range of diverse business environment institutions that support startups in consulting, incubation, technology transfer, innovation development, and access to capital. The advantages of the city include customer approach, service in English, promotion of startups, and access to infrastructure enabling development and innovation. Despite the rich offer, not all startups use it, mainly due to the lack of information, which is one of the main shortcomings and is an element that requires improvement. The lack of coordination and flow of information between BEIs, and duplication of ideas or initiatives is a problem also indicated by the business environment institutions themselves, which see the solution in greater integration of activities, e.g., under the patronage of ARAW, which is the main animator of the Wrocław ecosystem. Other problems include limited possibilities of financing activities at various stages of development, lack of audit programs, and access to certain experts/advisors. Social implications: The best startup ecosystems in the world can attract and retain the best, brightest innovators who create solutions that can revolutionize various areas of life. Well-functioning business environment institutions are part of this success while constituting an excellent example for other BEIs to follow in the international space. Although Wrocław is not among the best ecosystems in the world, it can be said that it aspires to such a group, which is reflected in various reports and rankings of the world's best ecosystems. However, in Poland and Europe, mainly Central and Eastern Europe, it is at the forefront and can serve as a benchmark for other cities. Originality/value: Many studies on startup ecosystems and startups are found in the literature. These are often studies of a general nature or relating to the most recognizable ecosystems, such as Silicon Valley, London, or Singapore. The situation is similar regarding business environment institutions, it is possible to find studies on the statistics of their occurrence, tasks performed, and the general role they play in supporting entrepreneurship. The literature lacks studies on specific examples of the functioning and creation of startup ecosystems in Poland by business environment institutions. This article refers to the example of Wrocław, which may constitute a benchmark for other cities. The article's value points out the most important BEIs in the Wrocław startup ecosystem, defining their tasks and their assessment from the point of view of entities operating in it and pointing out the most critical shortcomings requiring improvement. (original abstract)
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