This article proposes a theoretical-methodological approach for the modelling and creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems, a notion that dominates in current entrepreneurial literature. Drawing upon the extant literature on ecosystems and their complexity in different contexts we focus on Manizales Más, an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Colombia, to discuss it as an artefact of fourth order design. At present, the relevant literature and theoretical insights are summarised while appropriate methodology for future research is discussed. The study aims at connecting the general notion of 'ecosystem' with entrepreneurial ecosystems in a precise way for further empirical research.