Ricerc@Sapienza

Over the last years, sustainability and sustainable development have gained momentum also in-service research. Thus, this works is aimed at investigating the evolutionary path that links the Viable Systems Approach (VSA), service systems and service ecosystems perspectives to the most recent challenges of sustainability. Therefore, the analysis has been focused on start-ups’ ability to survive contributing to the shaping of a service ecosystem, which long-term viability can be ensured merging efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability targets.

Relational capital is a vital asset of the contemporary economy, and it refers to the sum of relations among organizations and their stakeholders to create value. Previous literature states that relational capital appears as a strategic asset, especially for start-ups run by women entrepreneurs. We aim to deepen the dynamics of relational capital in female entrepreneurship, especially start-ups, analyzing the Italian context during the years 2011–2012, known as the time of the financial crisis.