Conceptual insights into the diverse pathways in migrant entrepreneurship

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the article is to conceptualize and systematize the most relevant dimensions and issues of migrant entrepreneurship based on the literature review.

Research Design & Methods: In the article, we applied a narrative literature review. We identified. relevant publications by indicating keywords that allowed for the selection of publications relating to the examined problem. We assumed an 11-year research period (2013-2023) and selected the Scopus database for the articles selection.

Findings: The study revealed that although there are similarities among various categories of migrant entrepreneurs, they also display notable differences in their preceding circumstances, variables contributing to their success, and characteristics that moderate their outcomes. The study recognises and conceptualises diverse migration motivation (forced, voluntary, or next generation), and dominant embeddedness (home country, host country or international embeddedness) as factors impacting the key characteristics of migrant entrepreneurship types.

Implications & Recommendations: The article suggests that customised assistance programmes are essential for various categories of migrant entrepreneurs, considering their distinct motivations and integration into the community. The recommendation is to develop focused programmes that target the individual issues encountered by each group, promoting both their assimilation and global economic growth.

Contribution & Value Added: The significance and merit of this article reside in its comprehensive review of several categories of migrant entrepreneurship including transnational, diaspora, ethnic, refugee, and returnee entrepreneurs. It helps to develop a more nuanced understanding of these entrepreneurs. This framework facilitates the identification of various entrepreneurial trajectories and the distinct obstacles and prospects encountered by diverse migrant communities.

Keywords

immigrant entrepreneurship, transnational entrepreneurship, diaspora entrepreneurship, ethnic entrepreneurship, refugee entrepreneurship, returnee entrepreneurship

Author Biography

Aleksandra Gaweł

Full Professor of Economics, working at the Poznan University of Economics and Business (PUEB), Department of International Competitiveness, Poland. She received her PhD in 1997, habilitation (post-doc degree) in 2008 and professorship of economic science from the President of Poland in 2015. She is the author or co-author of over 100 publications related to entrepreneurship, innovation and entrepreneurship education. Her current research interests focus on entrepreneurship among disadvantaged social groups, including women’s entrepreneurship, migrant women’s entrepreneurship and migrant women’s entrepreneurship. He studies the role of institutions in shaping entrepreneurship. She serves as a reviewer of many domestic and foreign magazines and a member of editorial boards, including the chairwoman of the editorial committee of the Poznań University of Economics Publishing House. She is a member of the Academic Advancement Board of PUEB, and has also participated as a supervisor, reviewer or member of doctoral committees in the promotion of many doctoral students.

Katarzyna Mroczek-Dąbrowska

PhD, Associate Professor at the Poznan University of Economics and Business, Department of International Competitiveness. Her main research areas include the international competitiveness of firms and industries, transaction costs, and the internationalization process of industries. She is the author and co-author of published works covering, among others, the Global Financial Crisis and its impact on the strategies of Polish enterprises and the impact of Brexit on the EU-27 cohesion. National Representative of Poland in the European International Business Academy and works on several international research and teaching projects, cooperating with universities and consulting companies in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Slovenia.

Agnieszka Głodowska

Associate Professor in the Department of International Trade, Krakow University of Economics (Poland). Habilitated doctor (dr hab.) in economics and finance (2020), PhD in economics (2009), author of publications on international trade and international entrepreneurship, member of editorial boards of ‘Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review’ (EBER), ‘International Entrepreneurship Review’ (IER), ‘International Journal of Managerial Studies and Research.’ Her research interests include international entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial internationalization, entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial processes and behaviour), international business (internationalization, risk and finance in international business, market analysis), and international comparisons in business and entrepreneurship.

Krzysztof Wach

Full Professor at Krakow University of Economics (Poland). Professor of social sciences (2020), Post-Doc De-gree of Habilitated Doctor (dr hab.) in economics (2013), PhD in Management (2006). Member of the Commission for Economic Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN). Member of the Commission for Economic Sciences of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences (PAU). Member of the Commission for Organization and Management of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) – Branch in Kraków. He serves on the editorial boards of international journals as an editor, including ‘European Journal of International Management’ (SSCI WoS), ‘Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship’ (Elsevier), ‘Central European Management Journal’ (Emerald), ‘International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy’ (Inderscience), ‘Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review’ (ESCI/Scopus). He has published over 240 peer-reviewed publications (including 126 journal articles, 100 chapters and 17 books), and 19 edited volumes. His research interests include entrepreneurship, international business, innovation, and family firms.

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