Developmental papers
Developmental Papers
An Analysis Of Informal Female Entrepreneurship In Turkey Through The Lens Of The 5M Framework (103)
Author/s: Ufi Cullen
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Informal Female Entrepreneurship, Culture, Persuasion Strategy
Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that female entrepreneurship broadly and country-specific socioeconomic factors to explain their entrepreneurial behaviours and the factors affecting their tendency to operate informally are still understudied. And yet, the high volume of informal entrepreneurial activities among women and so called the non-entrepreneurship national culture in Turkey offer a unique opportunity to examine the female informal entrepreneurship (IFE) in the country from the perspective of the institutional theory.
And therefore, this study examines the association between IFE and the level of asymmetry between formal and informal institutions in Turkey. The institutional context is identified through the lens of the 5M framework. The macro-cultural environment is described through the Globe Project Turkey practice scores whilst the meso-cultural environment is described by the participants based on their experience with the sociocultural environment surrounding them.
This study acknowledges the view that culture is a multi-layered phenomenon that can vary across the different levels of a country (e.g. national, regional), and therefore the cultural environment may be different within a region from the national-level measurements. This qualitative research paper presented here is conducted with 38 Turkish informal female entrepreneurs.
The Impact Of Acculturation On Management Dynamics Within UK Small And Medium sized Enterprises SMEs A Study of Afro Caribbean Origin SME Owners Or Managers In The West Midlands (111)
Author/s: Bentil Oduro Zulf Khan
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: N/A
Abstract: The UK SMEs sector has experienced a tremendous growth within the last decade. It has also increasingly become evident that the number of SMEs in UK owned and managed by people from different cultural backgrounds has grown. According to the House of Commons Business Statistics published in 2015, there are over 99% percent of small and medium sized businesses in the UK (Rhodes 2015). The growth of these business sectors has been attributed to the entrepreneurism and fuelled by the increasing demand for various products and services. The makeup of the people working in these organisations has seen a tremendous change as well. A recent report published by the Adecco group about the workplace revolution highlights the changing face of the British workforce. Between 2000 and 2011 the number of UK born non-whites and immigrants has increased from 2.4% and 9.3% to 12% and 13% respectively. This research will seek to analyse how this changing trend is impacting on the management dynamics of SMEs owned and managed by Afro Caribbean in the West Midlands.
The Influence of Anger and Sunk Cost Bias on Project Status: An Extension to Portfolios of Projects (152)
Author/s: Heba Balatia Trevor Buck Joanna Wincenciak
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Emotion, Cognitive bias, entrepreneurial failure, retention entrepreneurial decision, termination entrepreneurial decision
Abstract: Entrepreneurial decisions traditionally embrace four main sequential decisions to continue, discontinue, or sell the firm Shepherd, et al 2014. This research will study the entrepreneurs exit decision in relation to individual projects. It adopts an emotional approach to the entrepreneurs decision to continue or discontinue a project as a more individual view on entrepreneurial failure Khelil, 2016. Specifically, the proposed research aims to study the relationship between anger as one specific emotion in relation to retention termination decisions on projects. It will also highlight the influence of sunk cost bias as one cognitive bias that moderates the anger retention termination decision relationship, as well as the influence of portfolio considerations as another moderator of the anger retention termination relationship whereby a company decides to retain or terminate a single project in light of the existence of a portfolio of projects.
Conceptualising Higher Education students entrepreneurial learning processes (217)
Author/s: Sarah Preedy Laura Wallis
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: enterprise, entrepreneurship, learning, experiential, higher education
Abstract: The aim of the research is to examine student conceptualisations of entrepreneurial learning to more effectively understand interpretations and operationalisation of entrepreneurial learning concepts at the Higher Education (HE) level.
Qualitative data will be collected from 40 participants studying a final year undergraduate Business programme module at a university in South West England. Each participant will produce an individual reflective portfolio whereby they reflect upon their entrepreneurial learning and in particular the influence of experiential, social and self-directed learning models upon their entrepreneurial learning processes. Alongside analysis of these portfolios, follow up interviews will also be conducted to explore emergent themes.
Research examining entrepreneurial learning is important in enabling a more effective understanding of the entrepreneurial process yet studies examining student perceptions of entrepreneurial learning remain limited. This research will enable an improved understanding of how students interpret and apply the theoretical concept of entrepreneurial learning and allow insight into the entrepreneurial learning process from a HE student perspective.
Benefits From Business Model Renewal Depends On Entrepreneurial Mindset (256)
Author/s: Sukanlaya Sawang Henri Burgers
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Business Model, Strategic Renewal, Entrepreneurs, Mindsets
Abstract: This study aims to explore the relationship between business model change frequency and its impacts on the rate of firms performances, comparing between preventive and promotive mindset entrepreneurs. This study offers a more nuanced view on the inherently assumed positive effects of opportunity driven business model renewal on performance. The total eligible sample in wave 1 was 599 young firms. After the follow up in wave 2 and 3, 414 new firms remained in our sample. Preliminary findings showed that well-performing entrepreneurs tended to change their business model more frequently. However, entrepreneurs who made more changes in their business model, perceived that their performance growth was slower compared to those who made less changes. Further, the growth of subjective performance was slower among preventive mindset than promotive mindset entrepreneurs. When the objective performance actual annual profits is used, the growth of profits significantly and slowly increased among preventive mindset entrepreneurs, but neutral effect among promotive mindset entrepreneurs.
Bouncing Back From Bankruptcy - Narratives Of Entrepreneurial Antifragility (341)
Author/s: Amit Rawal
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Bankruptcy, Renascent Entrepreneurship, Antifragility, Antifragile Entrepreneurs, Courage
Abstract: Bankruptcy can be classed as a complete business failure where the possibility to restart can be very minimal. The sheer of impact of bankruptcy can deter an entrepreneurs creation of future companies as it has been found to be severely harmful to their physical and psychological health. Existing research on renascent entrepreneurs company owners who have started up again post exiting a business or the firm failing have extended our understanding on entrepreneurial learning and a business owners outlook following business failure. In addition, it has demonstrated how entrepreneurs cope with the financial constraints and social stigma attached to bankruptcy. However, very little is known about when, how and why some bankrupted entrepreneurs attempt to start another business post bankruptcy. Specifically, why some entrepreneurs are more likely to bounce back post bankruptcy, what are their sources of courage, and how they come to identify opportunities to start a new business. In response, through drawing on the concept of antifragility as a meta theoretical lens, this study will examine stories as recounted by entrepreneurs who have gone through bankruptcy to explore why some business owners are able to restart a company post bankruptcy. The antifragility perspective suggests that an individual or a set of processes gets stronger from being subject to stressors and trauma Taleb, 2012, such as an entrepreneur who has overcome bankruptcy. 30 indepth case study semi structured interviews will be conducted with these formerly bankrupted firm owners. The study aims to provide theoretical contributions as well as practical implications for policy makers and entrepreneurs.
Identifying the Right Surrogate Entrepreneur for Academic Spinoffs (358)
Author/s: Argyro {Iro} Nikiforou
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: academic spinoffs, surrogate entrepreneur, human capital, technology scope, timing
Abstract: Universities often bring surrogate entrepreneurs to academic spinoffs, in order to help them overcome the limited business knowledge of academic inventors and to deal with the high levels of uncertainty that characterize the commercialization of university research. Yet, we lack understanding of when it is the best time to bring the surrogate to the spinoff, and what makes a person well suited for the role of surrogate entrepreneur. My proposal outlines why it is important to address these questions and briefly describes the adopted research methodology
The Access of Non-Oil Tradable SMEs to Bank Lending in Oil-Based Economies Case Study of Oman (373)
Author/s: Rabab Hamad Mubarak Al Hasni Professor Colin Mason Dr Maragret Fletcher
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: oil resource-based economies, SMEs, bank funding, credit rationing
Abstract: Diversifying the SME sector, i.e. promoting employment rates and improving the income per capita for many unstable economies, such as oil based economies, is a key economic driver for sustaining growth. However, there is a lack of bank financing provision for non oil investments, in spite of the ample liquidity and profitability within the banking sector of these economies. This research is keen to investigate the non-oil tradable SME supply and demand for bank credit during the specific period of global oil price recession 2014-2017. The uniqueness of this period is that these economies currently suffer from a dramatic reduction in state budget revenues that probably impact on bank liquidity hence, it is expected to affect the credit available to the non oil tradable SME sector. Empirically, a quantitative method namely the Probit Regression Model, is recommended to examine an entrepreneurs desire towards bank credit i.e. rejected, discouraged, no need borrowers and approved loan applicants
Examining the Role of Business Incubators in the Saudi Arabia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (472)
Author/s: Nouf Abdulrahman Alothman David Baxter Shahnaz Ibrahim
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Business incubators, Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem, Start-ups, institutions, Saudi Arabia, institutional theory
Abstract: Business incubation (BI) takes place in different connected institutional environments that are elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE). Despite the growing interest in business incubation programmes and their role in encouraging the entrepreneurial ecosystem in a region, there is still a lack of research on the effect of institutions on business incubators within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, an area which needs further investigation, particularly in emerging markets. This study therefore investigates the institutional challenges faced by business incubators in Saudi Arabia within the entrepreneurial ecosystem dynamics. To tap into this information, the study utilizes a qualitative approach to collect data, using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews carried out with participants in Saudi Arabia. The paper throws light on the current state of business incubators in the kingdom and discusses how the incubation industry is influenced by institutional factors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Berlin A Study of What Creative Entrepreneurs Value in Germanys Capital and the Role of its Unique History (518)
Author/s: Tom Johnson Sawlat Zaman
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Creative City, Creative Class, Berlin.
Abstract: Discourse on creative cities has sparked a global drive amongst policy makers in post Fordist metropolitan areas towards promoting creative growth as the key to economic development in the new creative economy. Given the continued success of Berlins creative sector and the evidence that the city administration has to some extent latched onto this discourse, Berlin could be viewed as a paradigmatic creative city. However, few studies have focused on the influence of Berlins history on its creative environment. In light of this, this research paper investigates what creative entrepreneurs value in Berlin as a place to do business and to live, how this value is rooted in the cities unique history, and what this means for the creative city discourse. Empirical evidence from the study indicates that Berlin specific appeal to creative entrepreneurs cannot be wholly replicated by prescriptive creative city policies, because the nature of what creative entrepreneurs value is abstract, elusive and complex, and has developed as a result of an organic historical process.
Effectuation State Of The Art Literature Review And Developing Agent Based Model Approaches (589)
Author/s: Martin Sterzel Matthias Richter
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: effectuation, entrepreneurship, simulation, agent based models, applied mathematics
Abstract: Effectuation is a theory in the field of entrepreneurship research. It has been discussed from different perspectives since the early 2000s and developed over time. This paper gives an overview on how effectuation theory was considered until now and what is the state of the art. Furthermore a short critical review of existing simulation and agent-based models in the context of effectuation is presented. This discussion leads to a straightforward research question and shows how effectuation can be developed further. Moreover, it addresses the assumption that non causal theories like effectuation cannot be interpreted in an algorithmic manner.
Internationalization of Small Ventures under Lean Start-Up and Effectuation Conceptualization. (713)
Author/s: Mousumi Parvin
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: SME's, Business Internationalization, Lean start-up, effectuation approach
Abstract: Abstract
The decision to venture abroad is considered as one of the key entrepreneurial decisions as internationalization is one of the main growth avenues for firms (Schumpeter,1934). When a business start-up decides to enter into the international market,it becomes mandatory to decide about the internationalization strategies as well (Kamlesh and Kumar, 2008). This is particularly true for smaller firms, for which going abroad may represent a leap in terms of resources and risks. In recent years these alternative business approaches have attracted investors, technologists and entrepreneurs and it is believed that effectuation and lean start-up approach can help small start ups to succeed gradually through continuous organizational learning, Blank and Steve (2013) and Sarasvathy (2001) among the architects of lean start-up and effectuation movement expressed similar thoughts. But there is a big research gap in understanding of if and how these approaches may also be applied for the international growth of entrepreneurial ventures and how these will affect the internationalization process of it. Thus the aims of this research is to investigate how small entrepreneurial ventures can grow in a foreign market through effectuation and lean start-up approach, and how these approaches affect the decision making process related to their internationalization.
Soft Family Influence without Ownership and Control in a Publicly listed UK Corporation The Strange Case of Cadbury plc (732)
Author/s: Wilson Ng Natalia Vershinina Matthew Cadbury
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Family business, Family firm/company, Founder influence, Longevity of family-owned firms, Performance of family-owned firms.
Abstract: While much of family business scholarship has focused on ownership and control, little is known about how formerly family owned firms that transition into public entities may thrive under family influence. We argue that the soft influence of family members who have sold out of the publicly owned firm and yet maintain managerial roles holds important lessons for understanding how family firms may grow under family influence and despite the loss of family ownership. By soft we mean cultural namely, customs and values related to the founding family and cognitive personality and behavioral sources of influence on the firms strategic direction. In what ways may family members continue to influence the publicly owned firm that they founded but no longer control To address this Question, case study research was conducted on a formerly family owned firm in the UK, Cadbury, a 200 year old confectionary manufacturer that continued to be led by family managers for 31 years despite selling out of the firm. Principally, we found that soft influence in the way that Cadbury practices continued to be developed and enacted by two family Chairmen cum CEOs played a key role in guiding the firms growth and development following the loss of family ownership. Key practices included the strategic development and deployment of firm assets, and Cadburys distinctive approach to managerial recruitment. Implications of soft family influence are offered that potentially alter knowledge of the family firm as a growth driven enterprise because of the soft influence of family members who no longer own or control the firm.
Organizational Processes Enabling Entrepreneurship at Large, Bureaucratic Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) with Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Behaviors (752)
Author/s: Tahira Nisar
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Behaviors, Entrepreneurial Processes, Multinational Enterprises
Abstract: This study aims to build theoretical linkage between firm level practices leading to entrepreneurial behaviors and entrepreneurial processes. The main purposes of this study are to explore which of the behaviors at firm level other than innovation, risk taking and proactiveness can be considered entrepreneurial behaviors to evaluate the degree to which ambidextrous leadership, diverse team management and formalization lead to entrepreneurial behaviors to investigate how entrepreneurial behaviors mediate the relationship between organizational processes and entrepreneurship and to test the proposed model in large and bureaucratic multinational organizations. Overall, this study aims to investigate how the organizational processes ambidextrous leadership, diverse team management, formalization enable entrepreneurship through entrepreneurial behaviors other than risk taking, innovation and proactiveness in the context of large and bureaucratic multinational organizations.
Individual And Household Life Course Explanation To Entrepreneurial Exit (755)
Author/s: Muntasir Alam
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Entrepreneurial exit, life course, entrepreneurs resources, events
Abstract: Exit, being a critical component of the entrepreneurial process deserves attention to offer a better conceptualisation of the entrepreneurial process. Despite the recent escalation of research on entrepreneurial exit, academic research defining the role of resources that accumulated and the events that occur at various stages of the individual entrepreneur and their household life courses in explaining exit is relatively sparse. In this developmental paper, the relevant knowledge base is explored to identify the critical knowledge gap that needs scholarly attention for the research in the entrepreneurial exit to be extended. The key research question of interest, what drives the entrepreneur to make an exit from the business they created, will be analysed using longitudinal panel data collated from a representative sample of UK population. The analytical strategy is also introduced to validate the steps that will be taken for further development of the paper.
From Ethnic Exceptionalism to Multicultural Hybridism: Rethink Ethnic Culture in Migrant Entrepreneurship (876)
Author/s: Xiping Shinnie Thomas Domboka Charlotte Carey
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Ethnic Exceptionalism, Multicultural Hybridism, Ethnic Culture, Theories of Migrant Entrepreneurship
Abstract: This paper focuses on the emerging trend of ethnic minority migrant entrepreneurs breaking out of their co-ethnic markets into mainstream economies, through a critical review of the existing literature in theories of migrant entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on the importance to shift from an ethnic exceptionalism perspective to a multicultural hybridism approach to re-examine the role of ethnic culture in migrant entrepreneurship.
"The Drivers and Barriers to Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development" (931)
Author/s: Enyindah Nmerukini
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem, development, components
Abstract: The topic of this study is the drivers and barriers to innovation entry in the SME sector in Nigeria. The research is focused on developing a framework that would spur the successful development of entrepreneurship ecosystems in Nigeria. The topic and concept of entrepreneurship ecosystems development the world over is not a novel one as very few scholars have looked at the various components that could actually spur or hinder the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems in various parts of the world. The research would critically look at some components such as government, university, culture, financial institutions, professional and support services to mention a few, and how these components if properly managed could enable entrepreneurship ecosystem development thrive. This framework could help the government and people of Nigeria to have a deliberate and clear-cut step by step guide to aid them start new and drive existing ecosystems in the right direction. This study would be a qualitative study, because it seeks to understand critical issues that have militated against the successful development of entrepreneurship ecosystems in the country.
Sustainable Business Model Innovation in Social Enterprises: A Potential Solution to the Tensions of Hybridity? (971)
Author/s: Nandakumar Mankavil Kovil Veettil Ashish Malik
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Social Enterprises, Sustainable Enterprises, Business Model, Business Model Innovation, Sustainable Business Model Innovation
Abstract: Due to their dual objectives, social enterprises (SEs) use a hybrid business model consisting of social impact on one extreme and an economic objective at the other extreme. The hybridity in their business model generates tensions which question the fundamental existence of SEs. The conflicts between economic and social or environmental goals requires better understanding and hence warrants further research. A sustainable business model, which promotes the co-existence of social, economic and environmental goals will help SEs to mitigate the tensions due to hybridity. We have developed a number of research questions to examine the effectiveness of a sustainable business model. To examine these research questions, we intend to conduct in-depth case studies on 20 SEs in India. We plan to conduct interviews with the founders, senior managers, employees and other relevant stakeholders in our case study organisations. We also plan to analyse the key documents relating to the SEs.
Entrepreneurial Cognition and Innovation Productivity: The moderating role of Knowledge Intensity (990)
Author/s: Benjamin Fath Antje Fiedler Kevin Lowe
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Adaptive Metacognition, Innovation
Abstract: Using a longitudinal dataset from 202 innovative New Zealand SMEs, this paper investigates the effect of adaptive metacognition of the CEO on innovation productivity. Previous research has shown the importance of entrepreneurial cognition as part of the entrepreneurial human capital as well as the importance of external and internal knowledge sources in pursuing innovation. This study shows that the higher levels of adaptive meta-cognition of the CEO are associated with an increased capability of the venture to turn innovation inputs into innovation outcomes. The relationship is weaker in knowledge intensive industries since entrepreneurs have to synthesise and enact new knowledge.
Development of Entrepreneurial Competency Framework for Women Founders A case from Ghana, Africa (1081)
Author/s: Anthony Ebow Spio Sola Adesola
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Conceptual, Competency, Entrepreneurship, Framework, Women
Abstract: This paper presents the first phase of the development process of a conceptual framework for competency development of women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector in Ghana. The paper is organised into five sections. The first section describes the context and establishes the gap in literature that informed the PhD study. The second section provides a brief literature review of women entrepreneurship and competency to provide the theoretical base for the preliminary conceptual framework. The third section captures the research aim, objective and design for developing the conceptual framework. The fourth section explains the use of the preliminary conceptual framework and the final section introduces further work on the conceptual framework. The output of the first phase of the process is a three-stage competency development framework that shows the interrelationships between entrepreneurial learning, competency development and the pursuit of opportunities.
Understanding Reward-based Crowdfunding as an Alternative Source of Entrepreneurial Financing: Towards a Conceptual Framework Using a Signalling Theory Perspective (1108)
Author/s: Ying Zhao Wing Lam Phil Harris
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: crowdfunding, reward-based crowdfunding, entrepreneurial finance, alternative finance
Abstract: Crowdfunding has gained a great deal of attention from policy makers, researchers and practitioners. Studies have suggested that reward-based crowdfunding (RBC) plays an increasingly important role in in the process of business start-up. However, apart from some exploratory studies, there is a lack of understanding on the influence of the signals especially the signals of intention that drive the crowd to invest in RBC projects from a perspective of signalling theory.
In this conceptual paper the authors build on related literature to theoretically develop a research model and plan to validate this model with an empirical analysis on an RBC platform with a longitudinal study to identify the key factors that influence the success (or failure) of RBC in the UK. In-depth comparative analysis could be conducted to investigate the interplay of institutional context (economic, social, political and cultural) and RBC.
The research will take up on a deeper understanding of the influences from different signals for backing an RBC project and therefore theoretically contributes to the understanding of the body of knowledge in signalling theory in RBC.
A Critical Realist Perspective of Business Incubation (1127)
Author/s: Christopher Lipp Glenn Parry Don Webber Akin Ojolo
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: entrepreneurship, critical realism, business incubation
Abstract: In response to the dominance of positivism in research on entrepreneurship, and addressing the lack of understanding of the role of business incubation in firm growth, the work presented here uses a critical realist approach to analyse the value of business incubation services for firms. Considering the wide spectrum of services proposed in varying incubation contexts, the research aims at addressing how entrepreneurs perceive the value of various incubation services for their growth, and whether these perceptions align with the framework delineated in this work. The research design consists in a set of exploratory interviews with firm founders within incubation centres in the UK, followed by a survey questionnaire to be submitted to a set of approximately 1000 firms within 23 centres across the UK.
Qualitative Case Study Of The Effective Use Of Mobile Technologies For Entrepreneurial Learning And Human Capital Development. (1130)
Author/s: Jane Chang Bonaventure Boniface Nene Nyeneime Ibokessien
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Learning, Mobile Technology, Human Capital Development, Sustainable innovation.
Abstract: This paper looks at the use of mobile technology to drive entrepreneurial learning and develop entrepreneurial skills amongst palm oil smallholders in Sabah, Malaysia. Entrepreneurial Learning is a learning process to recognize and act on opportunities, and interacting socially to initiate, organize and manage ventures to help entrepreneurs to develop and grow. The literature on entrepreneurial learning in agriculture has focused on farmers of developed countries (McElwee, 2008; Sueneke, 2013), and we have very little understanding of small farmers in emerging countries, particularly in relation to poor and less educated farmers. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of using mobile technology for entrepreneurial learning in rural areas and how this can enhance human capital development, thereby leading to sustainable innovation. It is based on a study of 38 palm oil smallholders, with data collated over a 12 month period through a training programme specifically designed for the study.
Are Refugees Truly More Entrepreneurial? (1138)
Author/s: Laila Kasem Suzanne Mawson
Track: Entrepreneurship
Paper Type: Developmental Papers
Keywords: Refugee Entrepreneurship, Syria
Abstract: The world is currently witnessing its worst forced displacement crisis since World War Two. While focusing on humanitarian protection is paramount to help those displaced, it is also vital to examine how they can be best supported to rebuild their economic lives in host societies. However, the UK seems, thus far, to be lacking a clear policy for integrating refugees economically. This is concerning given that refugee employment in the UK is well below that of nationals and other immigrants. Against this backdrop, entrepreneurship has been put forward as a solution for refugees, particularly when acknowledging that their refugee experiences may engender higher levels of motivation, confidence, desire for achievement and tolerance for risk. This developmental conceptual paper aims to explore this proposition and open the discussion on whether the higher entrepreneurial intent exhibited amongst refugees is a consequence of their refugee experience or whether it is culturally or necessity-driven.