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Entrepreneurship in Small Cities: Evidence From U.S. Micropolitan Areas

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  • Shiqin Liu
  • Haifeng Qian
  • Kingsley E. Haynes

Abstract

This article presents the spatial patterns of general and high-tech start-up rates and explores regional factors associated with entrepreneurship in U.S. micropolitan areas. Regression results show that general entrepreneurship in these small cities is predicted by population growth, the middle-age population group, the presence of small businesses, and natural amenities. Additionally, high-tech start-up activities are positively associated with human capital, creative knowledge (instead of technological knowledge), high-tech clustering, and proximity to a large metropolitan area. These findings are compared with the patterns in larger metropolitan areas. This research sheds light on local entrepreneurship policy in the small-city context.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiqin Liu & Haifeng Qian & Kingsley E. Haynes, 2021. "Entrepreneurship in Small Cities: Evidence From U.S. Micropolitan Areas," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 35(1), pages 3-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:35:y:2021:i:1:p:3-21
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242420941927
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