Entrepreneurship in hyper-diverse neighborhoods: An exploratory study in 13 European cities

Authors : Ayda ERAYDIN

Pages : 67-87

Doi:10.37246/grid.1192228

View : 18 | Download : 13

Publication Date : 2023-03-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The relationship between neighbourhood diversity and entrepreneurship has been discussed concerning neighbourhoods where immigrants with different cultural and ethnic backgrounds are concentrated. Recently, these immigrant neighbourhoods experienced further demographic changes not only in social and ethnic terms but also concerning lifestyles and attitudes and they have become the incubation zones of various types of enterprises. Understanding the effects of neighbourhood diversification on entrepreneurship, however, is still a new field of inquiry. This paper explores the changes in entrepreneurship patterns in ethnic, immigrant and deprived neighbourhoods turning into socially diversified environs and draws upon the findings of research conducted within a cross-national EU project entitled DIVERCITIES that focused on the role of neighbourhood diversity on entrepreneurship in 18 neighbourhoods in 13 European cities. The findings show the coexistence of different types of enterprises including existing ones that adapt themselves to new conditions and creative and innovative enterprises that try to get the benefits of population diversity and a tolerant environment. The findings highlight that the existing categories are temporary and shift into new business fields and adaptive processes are continual due to neighbourhood diversity that generates new market conditions and attracts not only visitors from different parts of the city but also national and foreign tourists.
Keywords : Çeşitlilik, Girişimcilik, Göçmen işletmeler, Etnik işletmeler, Yaşam tarzı çeşitliliği