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Entrepreneurship has been emphasized as a way of boosting economic growth. However, there is a lack of knowledge about whether changes in economic context influence entrepreneurial activity. This paper analyzes the influence that such economic changes may have on entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents from individuals' cognitive perspectives. With this aim, an empirical study is conducted using the Partial Least Squares technique on a sample of 7454 Spanish university students, who had participated in the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Student Survey 2013 and 2018 editions. The results indicate that in times of optimistic job prospects arising from a period of economic growth, individuals reduce their entrepreneurial intentions as a professional option for the future. Despite this, improvements in the economic situation can intensify the perception of support from those closest to potential young entrepreneurs, as well as the confidence that these people have in themselves to start a new business. Moreover, our findings suggest that better economic expectations negatively influence the relationship between social support perceived and young people's motivations (attitude and self-efficacy) towards the decision to become an entrepreneur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on university education and its role in developing personality traits essential to achieving success in entrepreneurship is required because of the significance of entrepreneurship for advancements in the economic, social, technological, and environmental spheres. Additionally, the value of a university education in shaping an individual's personality, and the necessity of emphasizing entrepreneurship in higher education for students to achieve real success, should be a priority in our society. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore how university education influences personality traits that are key to success in entrepreneurship in Spain. To achieve this objective, a qualitative methodology based on the study of 11 cases has been adopted. The results allow us to conclude that university education has a decisive influence on the development of the personality traits that integrally determine entrepreneurial success as the culmination of the final stage of the maturation process; however, a university education is not fundamental to the development of these traits. Nevertheless, entrepreneurs emphasized that the personality traits analyzed need to be reinforced explicitly in university education since they effectively positively impact the success of entrepreneurial initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present research focuses on an understudied field in the entrepreneurial process: the events that transform intention into effective entrepreneurial behavior. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper a comparative analysis, using the t-test on related samples, is made of the perceptions of these triggering events of a group of graduates who showed entrepreneurial intention in higher education but, up to now, had not taken the decision to start a business with those of a group who had started a business. To do this, a sample of 227 graduates from a medium-sized European University located in Spain, with manifest entrepreneurial intention was used. Findings: The results show that there are important differences between perceptions of entrepreneurship triggering events of potential entrepreneurs who have yet to start a company compared to entrepreneurs who have actually started a company. In this sense, the overevaluation by those who have not yet become entrepreneurs of events related to access to finance and the greater relevance for those with entrepreneurial experience of having a good team and contacts consisting of other entrepreneurs, mentors and advisers stand out. Research limitations/implications: Some of the limitations observed in this work are related to the size of the sample analyzed. In the future, the study should be broadened, and different entrepreneurial behavior by academic specialization, gender, sector and/or type of activities should be investigated. Originality/value: Our study focuses on the phase of the entrepreneurship process in which intention becomes action and, more specifically, on those events that favor this change in behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the scope for system-level agency in new path creation. We identify the roles and challenges for state-led path creation and illustrate them through a case study of a novel and ongoing set of institutional entrepreneurship and system-building activities in the Galicia region of Spain, looking at the practices, relational processes, multilevel lobbying and regulatory change associated with an ambitious initiative to grow a new industry around uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) through anchoring knowledge and legitimacy-building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Erasmus programme represents one of the most popular policy measures of the European Union among its citizens. The aim of this paper is to explore the causal effect of this mobility action on labour market outcomes and skills' development in Spain. In order to do so, this research exploits the Spanish University Students Employability Survey 2014 an employs and instrumental variables strategy, based on the supply of Erasmus scholarships by area of studies and region of residence, to address the potential endogeneity of the participation in the programme. On the one hand, the empirical results suggest that studying abroad has a positive effect on the probability of becoming an entrepreneur, working in a foreign country and the formation of Information Communication and Communication skills. On the other hand, they do not reveal any significant impact of participating in this programme on the likelihood of employment and several working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The senior tourism segment has acquired vital importance in the tourism industry and is characterized by longer stays, less seasonality and greater spending than other segments. There are, therefore, unexploited business opportunities with this kind of visitor. The purpose of this paper is to identify the link between the business opportunities within the framework of senior tourism and several factors linked to the hotel and catering and services industry. This research focuses on the Region of Murcia on the Spanish Mediterranean coast and analyses the factors that affect greater entrepreneurship level in this region. The results confirm that the environment, social and commercial networks and sustainability have significant effects on the recognition of opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Science Policy & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Recerca is the property of Universitat Jaume I and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Business Law Journal / Administração de Empresas em Revista is the property of Administracao de Empresas em Revista and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite a cascade of corruption scandals over the last decade, the role of political corruption has yet to be accounted for in the scholarship on Spanish urban entrepreneurialism. This is an omission that extends to the broader literature on the topic as well. This paper looks at the theoretical causes of this neglect and explores ways of integrating corruption into the study of urban entrepreneurialism. To do so, it offers a systematic analysis of the role of clientelism in the political economy of Spanish inter‐urban competition. Contrary to the existing literature, which at best explains away corruption as a logical outgrowth of intensified competition for real estate capital, this paper argues that corruption is rooted in a political structure that precedes the emergence of urban entrepreneurialism. This structure is identified as an "iron triangle", a complex of colluding interests formed by the state, the real estate industry, and political parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to show how innovation, implemented as servitization activities, can facilitate retail organizations to generate, capture, and deliver value in the long run throughout their value chain. On the one hand, it offers a new perspective on servitization in the retail industry, an area where there is scarce published literature. On the other hand, it offers a new outlook of innovation servitization in the retail supply chain. Again, this is a research gap in the body of knowledge. For this purpose, we study an interesting case study of a relevant grocery retail store in Spain and Portugal. We adopt a multi-actor approach, analysing how a leading retail company in the grocery sector, Mercadona, has based its growth, international expansion, and competitiveness on developing servitization by introducing innovative services into its value chain. This development, conducted with its suppliers, employees, and customers, signifies an exceptional case of worldwide co-innovation with customers and suppliers. Mercadona has forged a co-innovation program based on a robust, total-quality culture that has transformed its value chain and expanded its business internationally. Its strategy is based on its customers' emotional loyalty, underpinned by social media networks and a strong brand image. Its approach has enabled the development and growth of numerous SME suppliers, creating an excellent capacity for innovation. We conclude how this process drives a significant driver effect which affects the entire supply chain, given that these SME suppliers frequently outsource their innovation activities. In parallel, there is scarce literature on servitization in the retail sector, especially in the food and supermarket sector, and how a retailer can push the manufacturer to add value to its servitization process through co-innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in teaching innovation encourages leveraging the evolution of digital technologies from using the device to learning with the device, which means a change from using information and communicational technologies to learning and knowledge technologies. Nevertheless, although the feasibility of implementing active and interactive methodologies to improve education is widely recognised, more research is needed to obtain evidence on the subjects and contents with the most significant potential for success. In addition, the most recent literature claims greater attention to the improvement of transversal skills, as they are critical in the student's professional future. Thus, the main objective of this study is to contribute to the development of immersive learning aimed at improving the cross-cutting skills of university students. Developing a teaching activity where the student acts as an entrepreneur in electronic distribution channels faces the research question. The student-company-university collaboration is the basis for enhancing the transversal skills of the Degree in Marketing and Market Research at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). The student participates in each step of the program as an active agent. The teacher tutors the work teams in each process step, and the Palbin Company provides the necessary technical support. The students give the information to analyse the success of the experience through two surveys -pre and post-workshop, following the methodology used in previous literature. While the activity planning is complex, the students show an excellent mood during the experience. The comparison between expectations and performance offers significant success from the student's point of view. As a result, the student improves cross-cutting competencies and gains confidence, satisfaction with their learning at university, and professional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research studies the influence of positive affect on entrepreneurs' evaluations of opportunities (i.e. novelty assessments and entrepreneurial selection) as well as how this influence may be different for entrepreneurs belonging to cultural and creative industries. Drawing on arguments on the role of affect in cognition and considering the particular situational and individual‐level factors of entrepreneurship in cultural and creative industries, we hypothesize that positive affect influences entrepreneurs' opportunity evaluation. We also hypothesize that this effect of positive affect is barely present for cultural and creative entrepreneurs. We test our hypotheses in a sample of nascent entrepreneurs who took part in entrepreneurship training programmes in six incubators in Spain, who we asked to evaluate their own opportunity. Our results show that positive affect positively impacts the perceived novelty and entrepreneurial selection of non‐creative entrepreneurs though this impact is limited for cultural and creative entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to present an empirical analysis of the sequence relating the performance of the firm to its behavior, which in turn depends upon the origin and personal characteristics of the entrepreneurs. The data are drawn from new Spanish firms. A typology of new entrepreneurs is constructed, based on their basic work aspirations. Each type of entrepreneur is then examined, in terms of the origin and personal characteristics of the members of the class. The results of the study show that significant differences exist among the entrepreneurs and firms of each type, especially in terms of the size of the firm (number of employees) and its evolution over time. The implications of these results, for the theory of entrepreneurship and for the design of policies towards the creation of new firms, are then derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact over international propensity of past negative entrepreneurial experience for those who re‐enter into entrepreneurial activity; referred to as resilient serial entrepreneurs. We first hypothesise on the effects over entrepreneurial re‐entry that such negative past experience may have and highlight the link between the past entrepreneurial experience of resilient entrepreneurs and their subsequent propensity towards international markets. Building on insights from the generative experiential learning process of entrepreneurial activity and from cognition theories, we propose that resilient entrepreneurs who re‐enter business despite having faced negative entrepreneurial experiences in the past benefit from enriched cognitive schemas leading them to greater export propensity. The proposed hypotheses are tested on a unique sample drawn from a Spanish adult population survey. Results from the sequential deductive triangulation analysis reveal that practical experience is an essential prerequisite for entrepreneurial learning, and that the resilience of those with negative entrepreneurial experience induces the generative entrepreneurial learning especially suitable for subsequent internationally oriented ventures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I assess the macroeconomic and redistributive effects of tax reforms aimed at increasing tax revenue in Spain. To this end, I develop a theory of entrepreneurship that mimics key facts on the wealth and income distribution in Spain. I find two reforms that raise fiscal pressure in Spain to the average value among countries in the Euro area. The first reform involves doubling the average effective tax rate on labor and business income for all individuals whose income is above a threshold level. I find that this reform reduces the inequality in after-tax income, wealth, and consumption. However, it implies a substantial GDP reduction. The second reform increases the flat tax rate on consumption by fifteen percentage points. While this reform does not reduce long-run output, it does not decrease household inequality. All in all, the desirability of the two reforms depends on the government's preferences for reducing inequality at the expense of aggregate output losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse the determinants of survival in entrepreneurship in Spain. For this purpose, a Cox proportional hazard model is estimated, using information from the Continuous Working Life Sample. The results show that opportunity entrepreneurs have a higher probability of continuing their entrepreneurial activity than entrepreneurs motivated by other reasons. Moreover, women show a higher survival rate than men. In addition, a high educational level positively influences survival, whilst previous work experience increases the risk of not surviving. Finally, age, with a nonlinear influence, increases probability of survival but at a decreasing rate. The implications of these results are that it should not be encouraged entrepreneurship indiscriminately, and authorities should promote entrepreneurial training and help entrepreneurship of people under 30 and over 45-50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship is a feasible option for people with disabilities as it allows room for flexibility. This study investigates the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities in Spain. The data were obtained from nine focus groups, one interview, and seven questionnaires. The analysis was performed using NVivo software. The results showed that self-realisation, the search for autonomy, freedom, and independence are critical factors that affect the decision of people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. The results also highlight the lack of business culture in Spain, the need for support from family and friends, and the necessity to create a network of contacts for people with disabilities to feel included. Education plays a key role in overcoming the differences with respect to people without disabilities. The findings also suggest that specific legislation or action plans are needed in Spain to promote entrepreneurship among people with disabilities. This study shows the personal and contextual factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of people with disabilities in Spain. Nine focus group discussions and one interview were conducted through Zoom, a video conferencing platform. This shows the role played by digital tools in the inclusion of people with disabilities. This research concludes that entrepreneurship makes people with disabilities feel free and independent and increase their self-fulfilment when they see their contribution to economic development. There is a lack of entrepreneurial culture in Spain, and institutions should undertake measures to promote not only the entrepreneurial spirit but also the full integration of people with disabilities. Such studies are important in order to boost entrepreneurship among people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the first attempt to validate the Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ) in secondary education students. It is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and includes its constructs: attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norm, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention. The promotion of entrepreneurship in early education requires valid and reliable measures to assess the desired outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions. The EIQ presents good psychometric qualities in a Spanish sample of high school students (N = 226): (a) The four-factor structure fits the data with factor loadings ranging between.378 and.862; (b) Each dimension presents satisfactory reliability results (above.7); and (c) The dimensions reproduce expected relationships with entrepreneurial attitudes. Additionally, competing models of the TPB have been tested to provide evidence to support a modified version of the original TPB model. Consequently, the EIQ is adequate for secondary education in Spain, being especially useful for longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically analyzes the existence of intergenerational transmission of entrepreneurial activity, from parents to children within Spanish families. We used data from the Survey of Household Finances (Bank of Spain) for the years 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2014, which allowed us to identify entrepreneurs as self-employed workers. The entrepreneurial activity of individuals was studied as a function of individual and parental demographics and labor characteristics. We found a significant correlation between the entrepreneurial activity of parents and children, which appeared to have remained unchanged during the last decade and the years of the economic crisis. Furthermore, the intergenerational transmission of occupation from parents to children was stronger for entrepreneurs than for employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to introduce the special issue on "Human resource management and corporate entrepreneurship". Design/methodology/approach – The paper discuses the articles in the special issue, which investigate the relationships between human resource management and entrepreneurship from different points of view, approaches and employing different empirical contexts. Findings – The papers highlight different human resource management factors of entrepreneurial behaviour and their influence on corporate entrepreneurship. Results from different empirical contexts as small and medium-size firms, case studies, joint ventures, in the USA, China, and Spain, among others, make important contributions to the previous literature. Originality/value – The paper discusses the intersection and association between human resource management and corporate entrepreneurship. Human resources play an essential role in so far as they can encourage or hinder corporate entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to shed light on the relationship between the entrepreneurial behaviour of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their commitment to sustainable development (SD). In order to analyse the determinants of SD engagement at the organisational level, we draw on the resource‐based view of the firm and examine specifically the effects of entrepreneurial orientation and internationalisation, using survey data from Spanish and Mexican SMEs. Our results reveal that entrepreneurial orientation is positively associated with SD engagement, particularly regarding the environment, human resources, and community involvement. However, we could only observe a positive effect of SME internationalisation on SD engagement in Mexican but not in Spanish firms, suggesting that this effect is context‐dependent and related to institutional pressures. We discuss the implications of these findings for scholars and practitioners. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dramatic growth of unemployment figures in Spain during the economic downturn has increased policies fostering entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of a Spanish programme fostering self-employment among unemployed youth workers. We use an administrative dataset (the Continuous Working Lives Sample) to study the survival of subsidized start-ups compared to those not subsidized. Using a differences-in-differences approach, our results suggest that the programme has no effect in terms of survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of curricular and extracurricular activities on the entrepreneurial motivation and competences of university students. In order to address these issues, the authors have used Ajzen's model of planned behaviour, including curricular and extracurricular activities, analysing their effect on university students’ attitude and behavioural control and their entrepreneurial intention as well as competences. Using a convenience sample of university students, we chose two Spanish institutions, with a total sample size of 1475 students. The analysis demonstrates the effects of curricular and extracurricular activities on the entrepreneurial intention of university students. Such activities generate positive attitudes for entrepreneurship but at the same time they lower capacity and intention to start a business. Similarly, the study shows the different effects of such variables on the competencies for entrepreneurship. Strategic and methodological implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Worker cooperatives as an entrepreneurial activity that values collective benefits have raised increasing interest in recent years. This prioritisation clearly distinguishes this business model from other entrepreneurial forms. Nevertheless, entrepreneurship research to date has rarely focused on worker cooperatives. This study draws on this gap by examining the main factors decisive for people preferring this business model. The results suggest five factors that can act as drivers for improving entrepreneurial creation through worker cooperatives and conforming to an entrepreneurship path aimed at improving social cohesion. These factors are related to several key points: cooperative principles and the governance model of these organisations; the perception of this model as especially suited for favouring equality; the individual's social orientation; and the influence of external aids provided to the constitution of worker cooperatives. The findings also suggest the need for effective public policies that favour the cooperative model since it promotes a more responsive and sustainable economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the emergence of FinTech startups in the financial services industry, most of these companies face significant difficulties in breaking even and surviving. This study examines the main managerial, institutional, and financial drivers of FinTech profitability and the time it takes for these firms to break even. The database includes relevant qualitative factors, such as foundational characteristics, the technological profile of the startup, and its funding structure. Using the full population of FinTech startups operating in Spain from 2005 to 2017, we observe that most of these firms are unprofitable within three years of their inception. Combining panel data and survival analyses, we empirically find that large and solvent FinTech firms founded by single entrepreneurs in an incubator or accelerator program are more likely to be profitable and prevail. FinTech firms reach their break-even points faster if they receive funding through seed capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the emergence of FinTech startups in the financial services industry, most of these companies face significant difficulties in breaking even and surviving. This study examines the main managerial, institutional, and financial drivers of FinTech profitability and the time it takes for these firms to break even. The database includes relevant qualitative factors, such as foundational characteristics, the technological profile of the startup, and its funding structure. Using the full population of FinTech startups operating in Spain from 2005 to 2017, we observe that most of these firms are unprofitable within three years of their inception. Combining panel data and survival analyses, we empirically find that large and solvent FinTech firms founded by single entrepreneurs in an incubator or accelerator program are more likely to be profitable and prevail. FinTech firms reach their break-even points faster if they receive funding through seed capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to characterise the phenomenon of depopulation in the rural environment from the point of view of the opportunities offered by technology-based rural entrepreneurship as a lever that promotes population fixation and the economic dynamisation of the most depressed territories subject to the economic and social imbalances generated by depopulation. Research Design & Methods: The research approach is based on the application of case studies as an empirical research technique. In particular, the strategy for the promotion of rural start-ups in CyL - the largest European region and one of the Spanish regions most affected by the negative consequences of depopulation - is analysed. Findings: Empirical evidence has shown that economic conditions have impacted the extent and duration of migration flows from rural areas to a more industrialised urban environment. Thus, in recent decades, the spatial distribution of the population has taken shape characterised by strong concentrations in large cities as opposed to the dispersion and low density of the population in large areas of the territory. Implications / Recommendations: The promotion of rural entrepreneurship through the development of specific actions to encourage the creation of start-up companies could be a solution to the demographic challenge. Contribution / Value Added: The creation of a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem has been possible owing to the financing, growth, scaling, and business internationalisation programmes promoted by the regional government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship is widely argued to be an important solution to poverty. While there is a growing volume of work on poverty and entrepreneurial action in developing nations, empirical work in developed countries is more scarce. Drawing on the entrepreneurial intentions and motivations literature together with personal values theory, we explore changes in the economic status and job status of 83 individuals from low-income contexts in Spain. Based on a series of multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analyses of data collected in two periods in time, three profiles of entrepreneurial intentions, motivations, and personal values associated with pathways into and out of poverty through entrepreneurship are identified. Implications are drawn for theory, practice and public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of International Entrepreneurship is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper discusses the processes of individualisation of work and redefinition of the referential category of worker fostered by youth employability schemes in Spain. Employability measures proposed by the recent Spanish Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan and its antithetical youth representations (as a group 'without qualities' - the 'NEETS'- while at the same time as a referential value and cultural model - 'the young entrepreneur'-) will be analysed. These paradoxes strengthened by employability policies, and further aggravated in the wake of the current economic crisis, do not give rise to political contradictions due to the depolitisation promoted by employability policies: social problems are converted into individual deficits. These processes of psychologisation of work are further discussed on the basis of a recent study on employment counselling and career guidance to help to enhance the employability of jobless people in three Spanish cities, Seville, Madrid and Valencia. These tools are aimed at fostering employability of unemployed people with a high risk of social exclusion and are emblematic concerning the principle of employability (new governance tools, different intervention logics/ principles). Some paradoxes concerning employability policies (entrepreneuriality) in the current labour market crisis will be outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In this study, entrepreneurial internationalization in renewable energy industry as a high-tech and emerging industry was explored. The focus of this study is on firm level factors to understand how and why these companies entered the international markets and what are their challenges and difficulties in this process. To answer these questions, two main streams of literature were used: international entrepreneurship (IE) and sustainable entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach Case study methodology is selected for this research. Because this subject is new and empirical researches in renewable energy industry are scarce, a method to gather research and in-depth data was adopted. Following suggestions by Eisenhardt (1989), a multiple-case design method was used with nine cases of entrepreneurial companies in renewable energy industry from Spain.Findings Results show that in renewable energy industry firms, resources and capabilities such as need for funding and rapid commercialization are key factors that encourage companies to enter the international market. However, having access to the technological knowledge cannot be a compelling reason for internationalization of renewable energy companies from Spain. Moreover, the interaction between the large and small firms is an important factor that facilitates the process of internationalization.Research limitations/implications In this study, the focus was only on firm level factors, whereas other levels of analysis such as entrepreneur, environment, policy scheme and industrial factors need further attention in future studies. Moreover, this study is only limited to Spanish companies, and future studies can be replicated in other context.Practical implications Findings of the study have significant theoretical and empirical implications. First of all, it explains the entrepreneurial internationalization by taking advantage of sustainable entrepreneurship literature. In addition, empirical results of this study are significantly important for entrepreneurs to implement effective internationalization strategy to survive. Findings of this study can help policy makers for designing a supportive scheme for further development of this industry in the international markets.Originality/value This paper explores the entrepreneurial internationalization of renewable energy companies as an emerging industry by taking advantage of two streams of literature: international entrepreneurship and sustainable entrepreneurship. The results show the phenomenon of early internationalization in pre-commercialization phase. These findings put emphasis on interaction between large and small firms in process of internationalization in this specific industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public business incubators are services placed at the disposal of original, generally newly-created projects, to which physical accompaniment, supervision and location are offered at prices below market value. They have as their aim to help set in motion and consolidate these firms during the stages in which they are weaker. The ultimate goal consists in favouring the generation of innovative firms, inducers of high-quality jobs, which can diversify the local business fabric, thus becoming a key tool in local development. The present paper provides a methodology to study the economic – but above all social – impact of business incubators, based on the examination of 40 from the 42 incubators existing in the Valencian Community (a Spanish autonomous region with five million inhabitants). Data analysis allows us to state that, although business incubators are not economically profitable since they need financial aids and public investment to start operating, they do have social profitability, insofar as the activity developed by entrepreneurs permits to provide public administrations – via taxes – with returns exceeding what was invested in these incubators. It has been determined that 2.8 euros (which can be applied to a variety of social areas) are collected via taxes for each euro spent to start them up. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research aims at analysing the influence of a holistic configuration of factors related to industry and the characteristics of the entrepreneur and the business, on the survival of social and commercial entrepreneurial initiatives in both, new and consolidated companies. The sample ranges from 2,851 to 2,109 firms, according to the period considered, and has been obtained from the reports of the projects submitted to the Assistance Programme to Young Entrepreneurs, promoted by the Valencian Institute of Youth. Other sources of information have been the Institute's own reports and the Chambers of Commerce. A configurational analysis is performed using the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The results obtained show that there is no necessary condition by itself and that there are several sufficient solutions that explain a considerable percentage of survival cases. They also show how the solutions vary significantly and, consequently, the relevance of the different causal antecedents, when the company acquires greater maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship has undoubted social value as it contributes to socio-economic development of the context where entrepreneurship takes place. When the entrepreneurial activity is undertaken among especially vulnerable groups in the labor market, the multiplying effect of this value is made explicit in society, in general, and in the collective of people with disabilities (PWDs), in particular. The objective of this research study is to explore under which conditions this happens through the analysis not only of the relationship between the competencies that PWDs attribute to themselves and their development of the entrepreneurial activity but also of that between entrepreneurship and certain conditions that potentially create value by increasing the autonomy among this collective. A quantitative methodology based on the analysis of the survey carried out on a sample of 224 entrepreneurs with physical, sensory, or organic disabilities throughout Spain has been used. According to the results, entrepreneurs with disabilities (EWDs) have a higher self-evaluation competency. Furthermore, significant results concerning the link between the form of autonomous cohabitation of this collective and entrepreneurship have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine immigrant self-employment in Spain. The study aims to determine the likelihood of immigrants being self-employed, the differences between Spaniards and immigrants in terms of self-employment and differences among immigrants from different regions of origin. Design/methodology/approach – Data from the Labour Force Survey for 2005-2011 are used for a descriptive analysis of self-employment. Logit regressions allow us to study the determinants of immigrant self-employment. Findings – Unlike research conducted in other countries, the rate of immigrant self-employment in Spain is lower than that of nationals, although differences exist according to the region of origin. Men and older individuals are more likely to be self-employed. Those with higher levels of education are also more likely to be self-employed – this may be attributable to the decreased availability of skilled positions for immigrants. Research limitations/implications – The sample size does not allow for differential analyses regarding the region of origin or the existence and influence of enclaves. Practical implications – Self-employment may be an opportunity for immigrants to improve their position in the labour market, especially in the case of highly skilled workers. Originality/value – In Spain, analyses of immigrant self-employment are rare and generally focus on case studies. However, this study covers the whole population within a highly specific economic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the perceptions of the future generation of journalists, this article aims to examine the specific motivations and barriers that encourage or discourage students from starting their own journalistic businesses. The goal is to identify those aspects that most influence entrepreneurial intention in the journalistic field, breaking the data down by gender and course. The methodology uses a quantitative approach based on surveys (n = 219). By applying categories of analysis previously tested in entrepreneurship studies in the business world, it was found that motivation in journalism is related to self-realization, as well as independence and flexibility at work. However, barriers are directly connected to the economic situation and self-confidence in knowledge and skill, despite students receiving training in entrepreneurship. Based on the motivations, Reluctant Entrepreneurs and Convenience Entrepreneurs are the two dominant profiles among journalism students. Based on the barriers, Economically Discouraged Entrepreneurs is the most prominent profile. Females are less self-confident about their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills, but males are more disappointed by journalism. Advanced students (third and fourth years of the degree) are also more disappointed by journalism than beginner students (first and second years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission in the scope of its cohesion policy tries to increase competitiveness of the European Union (EU) regions by supporting, beside many other instruments, entrepreneurial activities in the EU sub-national regions. This paper sheds an empirical light on the relationship between entrepreneurial activities and entrepreneurial perceptions on the one hand and the economic performance of regions eligible for EU regional policies in Spain and Germany on the other. Based on empirical data on the NUTS2 level, there will be analysis of whether previous EU support has later had an impact on entrepreneurial activities and/or entrepreneurial perception in the regions. The results show empirical evidence for a relationship between entrepreneurial activities and EU regional policies. However, other determinants such as gender and the role model function have an even stronger impact. Some of the results may help to increase the effectiveness of EC regional policies and of regional policies of the national governments, especially if the interdependence of entrepreneurship support policies and proper regional policies is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand why high-skilled immigrants from a developing country (Colombia) are returning to their home country to create businesses instead of starting up in their host country (Spain). Design/methodology/approach - A case study methodology was used to present the experiences of three high-skilled immigrants. All subjects presented had migrated from Colombia to Spain, held degrees from a Colombian university, had a university background in entrepreneurship and intended to run a business in Colombia instead of in Spain. Findings - This study shows how the expectations of highly-skilled immigrants can influence their decision to return to their home country to set up in business. Because of their skills and international experience, these individuals have good professional prospects in their home countries and a lower tolerance of the barriers and difficulties encountered in the host country than immigrants with other profiles. Research limitations/implications - In exploring the high-skilled immigrants' reasons for returning home, future research should pay more attention to personal motivations and cultural differences. Practical implications - The findings will enable policy makers in developing and developed countries to improve policies for attracting or retaining highly-skilled immigrants or emigrants, especially those with entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/value - In a group of immigrants whose skills and talents could offer considerable added value either to their host country or to their home country, this paper examines some of the key processes that influence their decision of where to locate their entrepreneurial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse in-depth collaboration as a process that emerges from interactions among individuals in order to develop entrepreneurial actions within established family firms. The research is contextualized in the metal sector in Catalonia (Spain), using institutional economics as a theoretical framework of reference. Design/methodology/approach - Methodologically, the paper adopt an exploratory perspective and employs a qualitative approach. In particular, a multiple case-study is used to gain deep insights into a contemporary and complex issue within its real-life context, and two case studies are purposefully selected in order to be able to conduct cross-case comparisons. Findings - In the early formation phase of collective entrepreneurship, there are similarities reflecting the networks status of both cases. In contrast, there are some variations concerning the development of collective entrepreneurship within the businesses which affect the type of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) activities developed by the firms. Research limitations/implications - By using a case study approach, it is hard to validate the theories for any more general applicability. Practical implications - Promoting trust in the organizational context, owner-managers may assume the role of intrapreneurs as network or human interaction builders within businesses, in order to promote CE through collective activities. Originality/value - The paper shows that CE activities may be understood from a collective action among employees and owner-managers. The paper also demonstrates that the phenomenon can be place into a broader theoretical context, taking into account the considerations included in institutional economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper attempts to shed light on the effect of educational programmes aimed at entrepreneurs on innovation and business success. Design/methodology/approach - We use as theoretical framework the theory of planned behaviour. We use a sample of 354 entrepreneurs from Castile and Leon, Spain. To estimate the model we use a path analysis (AMOS 7). Findings - Individuals who are concerned about further management education and entrepreneurship education show themselves to be more innovative. Moreover, indirectly, by means of the relationship between innovation and success, specific entrepreneurship education contributes to obtaining better business results. However, to have reached high levels of formal education makes entrepreneurs less conformist regarding the activity of innovation. The existence of a direct effect of innovative behaviour on business success is confirmed. Research limitations - The limitations which our study presents are principally related to the measurement of the variables. Some of the characteristics of education should be studied more deeply. Practical implications - The results obtained lead us to recommend that the educational centres and institutions which organise the programmes should give preference to specialised education and less to entrepreneurship education when seeking to reinforce the innovative spirit of the entrepreneurs. Originality/value - The debate concerning the effectiveness of entrepreneurship educational programmes is still undecided, so much so that both supporters and detractors of entrepreneurship education exist. For that reason, this paper aims to shed some light on the effects of the educational programmes aimed at the entrepreneur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secondary circuit is a central element in the processes of capital accumulation, and its relevance has become more acute in recent years as urban planning, housing, and real estate have become privileged arenas of the territoriality 'variegated' processes of neoliberalisation. This paper explores three theoretical concepts, all closely associated with neoliberalisation: the rescaling of the state, urban entrepreneurialism and financialisation. The paper uses these three theoretical concepts to explain, on the one hand, the increasing relevance of housing and real estate and, on the other hand, their connection with two of the major manifestations of the current financial crisis: excessive private indebtedness and the credit crunch. Analysing the Spanish case is particularly revealing because of the intensity of construction work until 2007, the severity of the subsequent economic crisis, and the wide range of agents involved in the growth of a neoliberalised and financialised secondary circuit of capital in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an exploratory study on the characteristics of women entrepreneurs and the businesses they run in the Valencia region. Following a close look at the evolution of literature on women entrepreneurs, the study shows how different internal and external factors affect the motivation, obstacles and performance of firms created by women. These results contribute towards a better understanding of business creation by women as they provide an empirical contrast of these variables (motivation, barriers and performance). Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics of women entrepreneurs and the businesses they run in the Valencia Region of Spain, in order to contribute towards a better understanding of business creation by women, and the elements of motivation, barriers and success that influence and characterize the activities of women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach: A random sample of businesses with women founders, in the service sector located in the Valencia Region, were surveyed with a personalized questionnaire focusing on the factors of expansion, financing, marital and family status. Findings: The results of the exploratory research show that different internal and external factors affect the motivation, obstacles to success and performance of firms created by women. It is clear that type of financial support, demographic factors, age at which the new business venture is undertaken, use of family loans and the initial size of firm are all instrumental in subsequent business success. Research limitations/implications: The research was undertaken using a relatively small sample of firms in one region of Spain. The study needs to replicated in a range of different countries in order to further test the generality and generalizability of the substantive results. The implications centre on women entrepreneurs' motivations, business success and failure. Originality/value: This paper contributes to a better understanding of business creation by women and the factors which are instrumental in their success, together with a better understanding of the potential obstacles and barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper yields insights into the channels through which management accounting and control systems (MACS) exert an influence on product innovation by examining the extent to which different forms of control (i.e. value systems (VS), diagnostic control systems and interactive control systems (ICS)) are directly associated with the distinct phases of innovation processes. Using survey data collected from 118 medium and large Spanish companies, we find that (1) VS and ICS have significant main effects on the creativity, co-ordination and knowledge integration, and filtering (sub-)phases of innovation processes and (2) the significance and direction of these influences vary depending on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of firms. By highlighting the relevance of EO in shaping the influence of MACS on product innovation processes, this study calls for caution in generalising the expected effects of MACS on innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper sets out to highlight the importance of entrepreneurial and market orientations for the success of enterprises operating out of a rural base. Using these two strategic frameworks, this paper identifies the marketing practices undertaken by rural enterprises, and evaluates their effect on business performance, on the local entrepreneur, and on the rural area itself. Enterprises operating from a rural location play a strategic role in the sustainable development of economies, in the context of which the rural tourism sector particularly stands out. The use of marketing practices appropriate to the aims, capacities and resources of such enterprises is proposed as a mechanism for improving their performance. Using the Spanish rural tourism sector as the basis, a scale measuring marketing practices, and another scale reflecting three different types of outcome – financial, those linked personally to the entrepreneur, and those in terms of development of the rural environment – are proposed and validated, and the effect of marketing practices on the performance of such enterprises is analysed. The findings, which reveal that marketing practices have a significant effect on the achievement of outcomes, have implications of interest for the literature and for practitioners in the rural enterprise sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of different technological aspects of organizations on Spanish high-technology firms' performance. Design/methodology/approach – The relationships studied are confirmed empirically using a structural equation model to demonstrate our hypotheses. The sample was selected from the database "Dun & Bradstreet España" in the year 2005 and includes 201 Spanish firms. CEOs were our main informants. Findings – The results obtained show that support from top managers will directly influence the organizational learning (OL) process and technological distinctive competencies (TDCs) (antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship) and that corporate entrepreneurship finally influences organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – The paper is exploratory in character, and its goal is to show whether interrelations exist between the variables. The main limitations are: the sectors chosen refer only to Spain; the analysis is cross-sectional in character; the study uses a single method and self-reports (CEOs). Practical implications – To obtain perfect adaptation of the firm to its environment, it is crucial that managers develop corporate entrepreneurship to improve high-technology sector firms' performance. The paper shows the important role of the top manager's support in developing TDCs and OL. Success in such issues is of vital importance to corporate entrepreneurship in the firm. Originality/value – The paper seeks to stimulate new lines of research on one variable (TDCs) and to relate it to other constructs, producing new relationships and observing their repercussions for the firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ethnic profile of the entrepreneur in relation to business activity, the reasons for creating the firm and the creation process. The aim is to analyze whether or not belonging to a particular ethnic group has an influence on the said processes, regardless of place of birth or nationality. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 326 questionnaires were analyzed in order to carry out an exploratory study on different ethnic communities in the region of Valencia (Spain) by identifying the most influential factors for each of the dimensions studied. Findings - The empirical results obtained show the relevance of ethnic origin. The variables that correspond to business activity, motives for new firm creation and the process involved undergo extremely significant alterations, depending on the origin of the entrepreneur. Research limitations/implications - The paper focuses on a particular geographical area and thus the limitations of the sample, as well as the influence of environmental factors may affect some of the results. Originality/value - The paper contributes towards understanding business activity among an increasingly important collective in a globalized economy and provides valuable knowledge for creating public policy aimed at the integration and development of different ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]