Facilitation of Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes by Policymakers: an Actionable Definition of Roles and Challenges

Abstract The objective of this paper is to contribute the academic literature with an actionable framework roles policy makers in entrepreneurial discovery processes (EDP) context smart specialisation strategies (S3). methodology used define such action research and, consequently, they are result learning and negotiation between other territorial stakeholders facilitated by researchers. case study based Bilbao Next Lab project (Bilbao, Basque region, Spain) where was chosen because wanted explore EDP through collaborative governance. key findings have been integrated a named as six facilitative policymakers EDPs. Its actionability visible connection dilemmas, difficulties, problems faced when facilitating processes. presented together discussion on relevance including tailored capacity development for part EDP. concludes final reflection how need role also requires transformation methodologies social