Migrant entrepreneurship is already an important factor of an entrepreneurial activity world-wide. In this more or less 'transnational era' migration is still an up-and-coming issue. People migrate in different directions, many from poorer to richer countries, others the other way round, and returnee entrepreneurs also appear more often. What are the commonalities of these entrepreneurs? What are their particular resources and how to tap their potential?
Immigrant entrepreneurs must possess exceptional DRIVE to succeed knowing he/she may not have a second chance. this type of drive may be lacking in non immigrants
Good point, Donald! This kind of pressure can stimulate creativity and deliberation to a large extent. However, it can also go along with real stress. It would be interesting to learn what real migrant/diaspora entrepreneurs feel in this situation and how they behave. Another issue: are the (social) networks of migrant/diaspora entrepreneurs different from 'domestic entrepreneurs'?
Several existing studies on migration networks and social relations have shown that social capital can transcend geographical borders and is not limited to one specific place. Migrant and diaspora entrepreneurs may have relations to their home regions, friends and relatives other ‘domestic entrepreneurs’ do not have. They may not frequently meet in person but new media and technology allow various forms of exchange and interaction.
Concerning the “exceptional drive” mentioned by Donald, I would also argue that this can lead to a kind of self-exploitation strategy. In that sense only those who work harder and longer than others succeed.