Those of us in the entrepreneurial ecosystem have likely felt the sensation of being adrift at sea with no sight of land. For some, it feels like there’s not enough support, and for others, there’s so much you don’t know where to turn. It’s feelings like this that lead to unneeded competition and mismanaged communications. But there are dynamics at play that make the term ecosystem extremely apt.

In this recent piece from the Federation of American Scientists, we learn about the complex network of innovation ecosystems and how a better understanding of this complexity can lead to improved outcomes. Looking at the typical stakeholders, their roles, and how the other stakeholders fill in the gaps, what at first glance feels like chaos comes into focus as an opportunity for a rising tide to lift all ships.

As key stakeholders in entrepreneurship ecosystems, educators are often at the forefront of changes to the landscape. But, it is in the classroom and on campus that widening gaps in access are often most apparent, too. The digital divide is a topic we’ve heard much about as technological advances continue to leave humans’ adaptability in the dust, and with the addition of AI, we may be seeing a new division occurring.

In the past, it was access to technology that was the largest dividing factor, followed by knowledge of how to use it. But now, it’s the tech, the knowledge, and the people —coupled with access to AI systems that can fulfill the more routinized tasks of education—that we face. If we are going to continue to work towards an ecosystem that provides the best opportunities for innovation for all, we need to be mindful of the gap.

AI isn’t going away, but perhaps we can stir its advance towards reducing unnecessary barriers. After all, to endeavor is a challenge in its own right; why would we put up more roadblocks?