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Role conflict, entrepreneurial identity, and academic entrepreneurship: the effects of immigration status

Author

Listed:
  • Haneul Choi

    (University of Bristol)

  • Donald S. Siegel

    (Arizona State University
    Arizona State University)

  • David A. Waldman

    (Arizona State University
    Arizona State University)

  • Ashlee Frandell

    (Arizona State University
    UNLV)

  • Joohyung Kim

    (Arizona State University
    City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

University scientists have been strongly encouraged by administrators to engage in academic entrepreneurship (AE), via patenting, licensing, and startup formation. AE is a key aspect of the rise of “entrepreneurial universities” as discussed by (Guerrero & Urbano, Journal of Technology Transfer, 37(1), 43–74, 2012). We examine the relationship between role conflict and scientists’ propensity to engage in AE. Our model starts with the realization that academics contemplating AE struggle with multiple identities as scientists and entrepreneurs and different roles. We hypothesize that foreign-born scientists are more adept at developing an entrepreneurial identity and managing role conflict, which makes them more likely to engage in AE than their domestic counterparts. Our empirical results, based on data from 391 scientists at 25 US research universities, confirm that foreign-born scientists are well-positioned for AE and that engagement in AE mediates the positive impact of foreign-born status on entrepreneurial identity. The results imply that a more open immigration policy will generate higher levels of AE.

Suggested Citation

  • Haneul Choi & Donald S. Siegel & David A. Waldman & Ashlee Frandell & Joohyung Kim, 2024. "Role conflict, entrepreneurial identity, and academic entrepreneurship: the effects of immigration status," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 63(2), pages 611-626, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:63:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s11187-023-00861-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-023-00861-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Academic entrepreneurship; Role conflict; Entrepreneurial identity; University patents; University licenses; University startups; Entrepreneurial universities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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