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Small and medium-sized towns: a place for entrepreneurship

In: Navigating Entrepreneurial Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Kaarina Vieru
  • Chukwuka Igboanua
  • Henri Hakala
  • Olli Kuivalainen

Abstract

This review aims to enhance comprehension of small-town entrepreneurship, revealing a context-driven agenda through a spatial and place-based lens. Our investigation, through a systematic literature review, explores the contextual themes of entrepreneurship in smaller towns. Small towns are a geographically constrained business ecosystem which challenges established entrepreneurship theory conventions. It cannot be assumed that urban resources, such as access to robust entrepreneurial ecosystems and supportive functions are equally applicable to small towns. The unique features of small towns can provide competitive entrepreneurial advantages. We find examples of embeddedness that can be leveraged to foster opportunities. While smaller towns have digital infrastructure challenges, they possess ample social capital that can offset agglomeration deficits, and technological innovations can open windows of locational opportunities. We develop a theoretical framework reflecting how entrepreneurship in these places is influenced by place attachment, place-oriented value creation and place-determined opportunities and identify several areas for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaarina Vieru & Chukwuka Igboanua & Henri Hakala & Olli Kuivalainen, 2024. "Small and medium-sized towns: a place for entrepreneurship," Chapters, in: Navigating Entrepreneurial Contexts, chapter 4, pages 46-68, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:23859_4
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035344994.00010
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