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Kersten, A., E. Laukineitytė, K.a. Kerti, S. Nijs & F. Scholz (2026): Career crafting in transition: Strategies of migrant women in vocational settings. In: Journal of vocational behavior, Jg. 165. DOI:10.1016/j.jvb.2026.104218

Abstract

"In response to the volatile nature of contemporary labor markets, individuals are increasingly expected to self-manage their career trajectories. Although career self-management presents inherent challenges for the general working population, these difficulties may be exacerbated for vulnerable groups. To date, however, empirical research on the career crafting behaviors of vulnerable populations remains scarce. To extend career crafting research to underrepresented groups, we explored the career crafting strategies that migrant women engage in to achieve their future work selves, as well as the influence of resource availability on the adoption of these strategies. Based on migrant women's career orientation and temporal focus (present vs. future), we identified four career crafting strategies: (1) career planning, (2) career balancing, (3) career architecting and (4) career navigating. Our findings suggest that migrant women do not solely adopt one strategy throughout their entire career. Instead, we conceptualize career crafting as an agentic process wherein individuals seek optimal fit between their career crafting strategy and their (migration) context at the current stage of their career. Consequently, we do not state that one strategy is optimal compared to others – rather that the optimum can be found when achieving the right contextual fit, particularly in the context of vulnerability. Our findings underscore the importance of acknowledging the enabling and constraining circumstances that influence career crafting strategies of migrant women." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.) ((en))

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Pöhler, Anne-Christin, Maximilian Priem, Liliana Cuccu, Holger Schütz & Maximilian Ponert (2026): Untersuchung der sozialen Lage von Selbstständigen in Deutschland. (Forschungsbericht / Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales 676), Berlin, 210 S.

Abstract

"Die vorliegende Studie erfasst die Prävalenz von selbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit in ihren verschiedenen Ausprägungen und hat zum Ziel, die soziale Lage und die soziale Absicherung von Selbstständigen differenziert zu analysieren. Dazu wurde im Jahr 2024 eine bundesweite Befragung von über 2.000 Selbstständigen durchgeführt, die Informationen zu ihrer Erwerbssituation und - historie, zu ihren Einkommen, Finanzen und ihrer sozialen Vorsorge sowie soziodemographischen Merkmalen erhoben hat. Die große Mehrheit führt ihre Selbstständigkeit ausschließlich in der Haupttätigkeit aus (80,7 Prozent). Daneben beschreibt die Studie auch hybrid Selbstständige (15,9 Prozent), die gleichzeitig selbstständig erwerbstätig und abhängig beschäftigt sind. Im Durchschnitt befinden sich Selbstständige in Deutschland gemessen an ihrer Erwerbssituation, dem Haushaltseinkommen, dem Vermögen und der Wohnsituation in einer wirtschaftlich und sozial guten Lage. Gleichzeitig befindet sich ein Anteil von ungefähr 15 bis 25 Prozent der Selbstständigen in einer schlechten sozialen Lage. Dabei handelt es sich in erster Linie um Solo-Selbstständige, Frauen, Selbstständige mit direktem Migrationshintergrund und ausschließlich in Nebentätigkeit Selbstständige. In Bezug auf die soziale Absicherung finden sich ähnliche Muster: Die breite Mehrheit der Selbstständigen sichert sich für das Alter, gegen Einkommens- und Erwerbsausfälle und gegen Krankheit ab. Gleichzeitig findet sich ein nicht unerheblicher Teil, der sich nur unzureichend absichert und sich nicht ausreichend abgesichert fühlt. Die Möglichkeit, soziale Absicherungsinstrumente nutzen zu können, hängt stark mit der sozialen Lage zusammen. Selbstständige in schlechterer sozialer Lage sind häufiger auch nicht umfassend sozial abgesichert." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Albrecht, Clara, Ahmet Erdem Bayram, Zohal Hessami, Sebastian Schirner & Clara Wobbe (2025): ifo Migrationsmonitor: Migrantische Unternehmensgründungen. In: Ifo-Schnelldienst, Jg. 78, H. 12, S. 51-57.

Abstract

Unternehmensgründungen schaffen Arbeitsplätze und fördern Innovation und Wirtschaftswachstum. Die Auswertung der Gewerbeanzeigenstatistik zeigt, dass die Gründungsaktivität zwischen 2008 und 2021 unter Ausländer*innen höher war als unter Deutschen (relativ zur zugrunde liegenden Bevölkerung). Die Anzahl der Gewerbeanmeldungen ist für beide Gruppen allerdings rückläufig, was auf akuten Handlungsbedarf hinweist. Ausländer*innen gründen besonders im Gastgewerbe, im Bereich Verkehr/Lagerei und im Baugewerbe. Vor allem sind es EU-Ausländer*innen, die Gewerbe anmelden. Bürokratieabbau und verbesserte Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten sind Maßnahmen, von denen nicht nur ausländische Gründer*innen profitieren können." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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David, Alexandra, Judith Terstriep & Jörg Freiling (2025): Understanding the nuances of (dis-)connectedness of migrant entrepreneurs within entrepreneurial ecosystems. In: International Small Business Journal, Jg. 43, H. 9, S. 1030-1065. DOI:10.1177/02662426251322080

Abstract

"This article explores the complex relationship between migrant entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) with a focus on how migrant entrepreneurs are (dis-)connected (from) to EEs. Based on 23 semi-structured interviews with migrant entrepreneurs (MEs) in a German city, the research uncovers subtle intricacies in this relationship. Beyond the expected connectedness, data surprisingly suggests that MEs face disconnectedness in four forms: entrenched segregation, resource deficits, lack of representation and alienation. Furthermore, the study scrutinises causal relationships, highlighting how discrimination as a fifth form perpetuates these elements of disconnectedness. This exploration enriches theoretical understanding by providing a nuanced view of (dis-)connectedness of MEs within EEs and related factors, including causal relationships. The findings advocate for addressing disparities in entrepreneurial landscapes to create sensible environments for MEs and their entrepreneurial avenues." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Hessami, Zohal, Sebastian Schirner & Clara Wobbe (2025): Asylum Seekers, New Businesses, and Job Creation. (CESifo working paper 12151), München, 43 S.

Abstract

"How do asylum seekers affect host-country economies from a supply and demand perspective? What share of such immigration shocks is absorbed by existing vs. new businesses? To study these questions, we combine exclusive business registration and asylum seeker data for the universe of German districts over 2007-2021. We address endogeneity in asylum seeker allocation by exploiting rule-based allocation quotas as an instrument. A one SD treatment (10 asylum seekers/1,000 inhabitants) leads to 0.7 new businesses (7.9% increase) including 2.7 full-time jobs per 1,000 inhabitants. A sector-level analysis suggests that the founding of new businesses is both supply- (additional workforce) and demand-driven (need for basic goods/services), while the demand effect kicks in first. District-level employment data shows that total job creation is about four times larger, suggesting that 75% of the immigration shock is absorbed by existing businesses." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Iftikhar, Zainab & Anna Zaharieva (2025): Problem or Opportunity? Immigration, Job Search, Entrepreneurship and Labor Market Outcomes of Natives in Germany. (ECONtribute discussion paper 358), Köln ; Bonn, 50 S.

Abstract

"In this study we evaluate the effects of low-skilled immigration on small businesses, wages and employment in Germany. We develop a search and matching model with heterogeneous workers, cross-skill matching, and endogenous entry into entrepreneurship. The model is calibrated using German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) data. Quantitative analysis shows that low-skilled immigration benefits high-skilled workers while negatively affecting the welfare of low-skilled workers. It leads to the endogenous expansion of immigrant entrepreneurial activities, generating positive spillovers for all demographic groups except native entrepreneurs. Overall, there is a marginal loss to the economy in terms of per worker welfare. This loss is mitigated with increased skilled migration from India. Policies restricting immigrant entrepreneurship relax competition for native small businesses but reduce welfare for all other worker groups. Ethnic segregation of small businesses benefits low-skill native entrepreneurs." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Iranzo, Susana (2025): Immigrants and entrepreneurship: A road for talent or just the only road? In: Regional Science and Urban Economics, Jg. 112. DOI:10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2025.104093

Abstract

"The available evidence suggests that migrant entrepreneurs contribute to a country’s growth and innovation, but entrepreneurship might also be chosen by less talented migrants who have limited chances in the labor market. This paper develops a theoretical framework that features specific constraints migrants face to better understand the mechanisms at play in their occupational choices. I test the model predictions using data for Spain right after the migration boom occurred from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. I find that human capital losses upon arrival are largely responsible for the low propensities to self-employment of the three largest migrant groups (Romanians, Moroccans and Ecuadorians) observed in the data. Also, I find no evidence of negative sorting into self-employment. Yet, the relatively large self-employment rate of Moroccans, once human capital is properly accounted for, and their low entrepreneurial quality is consistent with this group of migrants being subject to penalties in the labor market associated to information problems that push them into self-employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.) ((en))

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Jahn, Vera & Max Friedrich Steinhardt (2025): Immigration and New Firm Formation – Evidence from a Quasi-Experimental Setting in Germany. In: International migration review, Jg. 59, H. 2, S. 963-995. DOI:10.1177/01979183231165496

Abstract

"This paper provides new insights into the economic impact of international migration by analyzing how immigration can affect business formation in the host country. For this purpose, we exploit a placement policy in Germany in the 1990s for immigrants of German descent from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union (Aussiedler). Our empirical results at the regional level suggest that immigration had a positive impact on firm formation. The most likely mechanism driving this result is a positive implication of population diversity, while entrepreneurial activities of ethnic Germans and supply-side aspects seem to be of minor importance for our findings. Our results demonstrate that immigration under certain conditions – among others, equal legal treatment to natives – can stimulate business creation. Our findings enrich the political debate about the economic effects of immigration frequently discussed in receiving countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"Der Migrant Founders Monitor 2025 wirft einen Blick auf Migrant Founders der ersten Generation, die Risikofreude, Resilienz und eine internationale Ausrichtung nach Deutschland bringen. Zudem wird der Gründungsstandort Deutschland in den Blick genommen: Deutschland ist attraktiv, muss vor aber vor allem im Bereich der Unternehmenssteuern aufholen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Chodavadia, Saheel A., Sari Pekkala Kerr, William R. Kerr & Louis J. Maiden (2024): Immigrant Entrepreneurship: New Estimates and a Research Agenda. (NBER working paper / National Bureau of Economic Research 32400), Cambridge, Mass, 34 S. DOI:10.3386/w32400

Abstract

"Immigrants contribute disproportionately to entrepreneurship in many countries, accounting for a quarter of new employer businesses in the US. We review recent research on the measurement of immigrant entrepreneurship, the traits of immigrant founders, their economic impact, and policy levers. We provide updated statistics on the share of US entrepreneurs who are immigrants. We utilize the Annual Business Survey to quantify the greater rates of patenting and innovation in immigrant-founded firms. This higher propensity towards innovation is only partly explained by differences in education levels and fields of study. We conclude with avenues for future research." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Gaweł, Aleksandra & Timo Toikko (2024): Female immigrant entrepreneurship – predicted by women's empowerment in host country. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 44, H. 5/6, S. 586-606. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-12-2023-0334

Abstract

"Purpose: The social inclusion of immigrants has been a central public policy issue in European countries, and entrepreneurship is often promoted as a form of integration. Female immigrants face double discrimination of gender and ethnicity while becoming entrepreneurs. The aim of the paper is to investigate the female empowerment in the host country as a predictor of immigrant women engagement in entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach Based on panel data for European Union countries for years 2006–2021, female immigrant entrepreneurship was modelled by the impact of variables showing the empowerment of women in host countries. Data availability was the determinant regarding the inclusion of 22 countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden were all in the research sample. Findings Although immigrant entrepreneurship is highly context-oriented and locale-specific (as in the physical setting for relationships among people), some universal patterns for a group of countries are found. A stronger political and managerial position of power for the women in host countries encourages female immigrant entrepreneurship, while the gender pay gap is statistically insignificant. Originality/value The originality of the paper is due to the multi-country level and female-focused research perspectives in immigrant entrepreneurship. The study refers to the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity, arguing that the empowerment of women in host countries affects female immigrant entrepreneurship at the macro-level." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Newman, Alexander, Luke Macaulay & Karen Dunwoodie (2024): Refugee Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Review of Prior Research and Agenda for Future Research. In: International migration review, Jg. 58, H. 3, S. 1140-1171. DOI:10.1177/01979183231182669

Abstract

"Over the last two decades, ever-increasing numbers of refugees have left their home countries. As of 2022, around 27 million people were registered as refugees with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). While some consider refugees to be a burden on their host countries, there is growing evidence that they make significant contributions to host countries' economies, with rates of entrepreneurship higher than other migrant groups and host country nationals. To take stock of what is known about refugee entrepreneurship, this article undertakes a systematic review of the refugee entrepreneurship empirical literature. The systematic review provides insights into the factors which shape refugees' initiation of, engagement in, and performance of entrepreneurial endeavors and identifies gaps and inconsistencies in the current refugee entrepreneurship literature. Based on these gaps and inconsistencies, a future research agenda is proposed. By taking stock of what is known and proposing a future research agenda, this review has scholarly implications for the academic advancement of refugee entrepreneurship. Additionally, this review has policy implications. By better understanding the field of refugee entrepreneurship and its social and economic benefits, government policy-makers will be better positioned to design responsive policies to support refugee entrepreneurs in establishing their entrepreneurial endeavors. Finally, the findings of this review have practical implications for refugee entrepreneurs themselves, for example, by highlighting the resources that will assist entrepreneurs in pursuing entrepreneurship." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Zalkat, Ghazal, Henrik Barth & Lubna Rashid (2024): Refugee entrepreneurship motivations in Sweden and Germany: a comparative case study. In: Small business economics, Jg. 63, H. 1, S. 477-499. DOI:10.1007/s11187-023-00830-x

Abstract

"Refugee entrepreneurs can make a significant contribution to sustainable growth and development in host countries. However, comprehensive comparative studies of refugee entrepreneurial motivations are scarce, particularly in the absence of a theoretical framework on entrepreneurship motivation that is suitable for such contexts. This is a research topic that is increasingly of interest to scholars and policymakers working with refugee workforce integration, particularly in light of forecasted increases in global forced displacement over the next years. This paper tests and extends newly constructed entrepreneurship motivation measures, comparing person-related factors and the perceptions of environmental-related factors for Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Sweden and Germany. The results indicate that their motivations differ between the two countries with respect to market conditions, the educational environment, dissatisfaction, and know-how. However, refugee entrepreneurs in both countries have similar levels of entrepreneurial ambition and attitude and are motivated by similar perceptions of social environments and cultural norms. This paper identifies how entrepreneurship motivation differences could be considered by governments to better shape and inform host countries’ programs and policies to improve refugee entrepreneurship and subsequent integration." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

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Cuadros, Ana, Juan Carlos Cuestas & Estefania Mourelle (2023): Clusters in foreign-born vs. native self-employment in Europe: do we look alike? In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 30, H. 1, S. 92-96. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2022.2130861

Abstract

"In this paper, we analyse the existence of clusters in self-employment rates, segregating by place of birth, i.e. native vs foreign-born, in a group of 17 European countries. The analysis suggests that natives behave differently in peripheral and core countries, whereas their foreign-born self-employed counterparts show a similar behaviour irrespective of the characteristics of the recipient economy. These findings augment the scant available evidence about this topic in Europe (as most previous studies have focused on the United States) and confirm the existence of important differences in the entrepreneurial skills and mindset of native and migrant populations." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Refai, Deema & Gerard McElwee (2023): Refugee Subentrepreneurship: The Emergence of a Liquid Cage. In: Work, Employment and Society, Jg. 37, H. 4, S. 1032-1051. DOI:10.1177/09500170211062817

Abstract

"This article conceptualises refugees’ endeavours for upward social mobility through subentrepreneurship. Subentrepreneurship refers to various self-employment forms that are undeclared to relevant authorities to escape superimposed historical, temporal, spatial, institutional and social contexts, which constrain actors’ entrepreneurial activities. Using a mixed theoretical underpinning combining Mixed Embeddedness (ME) with Weber’s Iron Cage of Rationality (ICR), we signify liquidity of refugee subentrepreneurship, which is neither linear nor long-term rational. A liquid cage is envisaged to allow more freedom as refugees become embedded within intersections between transformative journeys and Constrained Institutional Contexts (CICs). This new theorising signifies a pronounced emphasis on agency whereby refugees cleverly contemplate implicit skills (i.e. unrecognised or downgraded skills), opportunities and processes to escape CICs. The article adds clarity as to how contexts become part of the production of entrepreneurial actions through two-way interactions that promote liquidity, enabling a strong foundation for future research exploring subentrepreneurship." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Rinaldi, Riccardo, Alessandro Arrighetti, Andrea Lasagni & Jacopo Canello (2023): Immigrant entrepreneurship in Europe. A comparative empirical approach. (EconStor Preprints 270873), Kiel, [30 S.].

Abstract

"The aim of this paper is to use a multi-country approach to assess the role played by individual characteristics and local labor market conditions in influencing migrants' self-employment decisions. The empirical investigation exploits data from the EU Labor Force Survey for the 2005-2016 period and focuses on two countries (Italy and the UK) characterized by significantly different labor market dynamics. Our findings suggest that the impact of individual characteristics is similar across countries, whereas the role of the local economic environment changes significantly, resulting in different migrant entrepreneurship patterns. These findings appear to be consistent with the most recent strand of literature, suggesting that while individual characteristics of self-employed migrants are similar across countries, national and regional differences play a key role in determining migrants' entrepreneurial propensity." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Terstriep, Judith & Alexandra David (2023): Und wo bleibt der Kontext? Unternehmerische Ökosysteme als Umfeld des Unternehmertums von Geflüchteten. (Forschung aktuell / Institut Arbeit und Technik 2023-06), Gelsenkirchen, 22 S. DOI:10.53190/fa/202306

Abstract

"Mit der seit 2015 steigenden Fluchtmigration nach Deutschland, die mit dem Krieg in der Ukraine ihren bisherigen Höhepunkt erreicht hat, rückt die unternehmerische Tätigkeit von Flüchtlingen wieder in den Fokus der öffentlichen Debatte. Während die strukturellen Vor- und Nachteile von Flüchtlingsunternehmen breit diskutiert werden, finden der sozioökonomische und räumliche Kontext kaum Beachtung. Das regionale unternehmerische Ökosystem ist jedoch ein wichtiger Einflussfaktor für die Gründungstätigkeit und das Wachstum von Flüchtlingsunternehmen. Unsere vergleichende Studie von vier Ländern in Europa zeigt, dass es neben "harten" insbesondere "weiche" Faktoren sind, die Geflüchteten den Zugang zum unternehmerischen Ökosystem erst ermöglichen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Yasin, Naveed & Khalid Hafeez (2023): Three waves of immigrant entrepreneurship: a cross-national comparative study. In: Small business economics, Jg. 60, H. 3, S. 1281-1306. DOI:10.1007/s11187-022-00656-z

Abstract

"This paper makes a seminal contribution to the ethnic entrepreneurship literature by analyzing the journeys of a single migrant community across three ethnic enclaves in three host-nation contexts. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 52 immigrant Punjabi-Pakistani entrepreneurs who started businesses in immigrant enclaves in the UK, Denmark, and Norway. “Three waves” of migrant entrepreneurs were identified based on their demographics, periods of migration, levels of education, access to social and financial resources, and the impact of the host country's social and institutional structures. The typology presented distinguishes the first wave, the older generation, as “pushed-displaced,” the second wave of the mid-aged generation as “pulled-transnational,” and the third wave of recent graduates and mid-career professionals as “pushed-frustraters.” The findings revealed the raison d'être for cross-national embeddedness variation in the host country's economic, social, and institutional contexts, and individuals' experiences of racial discrimination and exclusion. The results highlight that adopting an ethnic enclave strategy by lending the social capital and access to an “acquainted mentor,” usually from the first-wave entrepreneurs, has been the key success factor for the start-up, survival, and growth of the second- and third-wave immigrant businesses. The paper provide guidelines to make the appropriate social and regulatory interventions needed to eradicate racial discrimination and institutional barriers to stimulate immigrant entrepreneurship in these countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

Abstract

"Migrant Founders, also Gründer und Gründerinnen mit Migrationshintergrund, sind ein wichtiger Bestandteil des Startup-Ökosystems. Um sie und ihre Erfahrungen und Beiträge besser zu verstehen, führen der Bundesverband Deutsche Start-Ups und die Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit seit 2021 eine Befragung durch. Die Ergebnisse werden im Migrant Founders Monitor dokumentiert und zeigen, dass gerade Migrant Founders der ersten Generation Wachstumsimpulse geben und überdurchschnittlich gut gebildet sind. Sie stehen aber auch vor besonderen Hürden mit Blick auf Bürokratie und Finanzierung, die adressiert werden müssen." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Amuedo-Dorantes, Catalina, Magnus Lofstrom & Chunbei Wang (2022): Immigration Policy and the Rise of Self-Employment among Mexican Immigrants. In: ILR review, Jg. 75, H. 5, S. 1189-1214. DOI:10.1177/00197939211057765

Abstract

"The recent dramatic growth in self-employment among Mexican immigrants in the United States in the past two decades is a puzzling trend, in stark contrast to the stagnant growth or even decline among other demographic groups. The authors propose that the expansion of interior immigration enforcement, a characteristic of the US immigration policy during that time span, contributed to this unique trend by pushing Mexican immigrants into self-employment as an alternative livelihood. Exploiting temporal and geographic variation in immigration enforcement measures from 2005 to 2017, the authors show that tougher enforcement has been responsible for approximately 15% of the rise in Mexican self-employment in the United States." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))