Entrepreneurship Within Urban and Rural Areas: Creative People and Social Networks

Abstract

Freire-Gibb L. C. and Nielsen K. Entrepreneurship within urban and rural areas: creative people and social networks, Regional Studies. This research puts forth hypotheses regarding the role of individual creativity and social networks in becoming an entrepreneur and surviving the critical first years in both urban and rural areas. Creativity is found to lead to start-ups in urban areas, where the environment is not only more supportive but also more competitive, but not in rural areas. However, creativity does not increase the chance of success. The particular importance of social networks in rural areas is likely due to stronger ties and fewer supporting institutions.