Abstract
PurposeThousands of people emigrate from their homeland and start new businesses in other countries. Researchers are increasingly interested in this phenomenon, commonly known as transnational diaspora entrepreneurship. Our paper aims to review this topic by identifying the gaps in existing research and emphasizing the need for further investigation into this growing phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies both a traditional approach and a more innovative approach using topic modeling in conducting the literature review. While the manual literature review inductively identifies important themes, through topic modeling, the prevailing topics in the research are uncovered.FindingsThe analysis reveals several main findings. Firstly, diaspora entrepreneurs are categorized based on identifiable differences in their entrepreneurial activities. Secondly, most literature in the area is based on case studies, and there is a need for more quantitative research into this area. Thirdly, although there is no widely agreed-upon definition of transnational diaspora entrepreneurship, some distinct characteristics set it apart from other entrepreneurial activities. Lastly, a few different approaches to transnational diaspora entrepreneurship have been identified and summarized based on the experiences, identities and locations of diaspora entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by employing natural language processing to analyze a corpus of paper abstracts, offering a comprehensive overview of the prevailing themes in the research on diaspora entrepreneurial activity. It also highlights the need for more quantitative research to understand the broader patterns and impacts of this phenomenon. This paper sheds light on the complexities and potential rewards of diaspora entrepreneurial activity, paving the way for further research and understanding in this field.
Key Questions
1. What is transnational diaspora entrepreneurship?
TDE refers to entrepreneurial activities by migrants who operate businesses across multiple countries, leveraging their connections in both their home and host nations.
2. Why is TDE important for economic development?
TDE fosters economic growth by creating jobs, facilitating the transfer of skills, and linking markets through transnational networks.
3. What are the main themes in TDE research?
Themes include diaspora networks, the role of remittances, motivations for entrepreneurship, and the challenges of operating in multiple markets.
4. How are TDE entrepreneurs different from other entrepreneurs?
TDE entrepreneurs maintain active connections in their COO and COR, often utilizing these networks for social, cultural, and economic leverage.
5. What are the challenges in studying TDE?
The field is fragmented, with inconsistent terminologies and a reliance on qualitative case studies, necessitating more quantitative and interdisciplinary research.
