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Entrepreneurial Journeys of Syrian Refugees in Groningen, A Liminal Story?

  • University of Groningen, Department of Economic Geography
  • Alfa-college

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This research adopts a grounded approach to address becomings of Syrian refugees during their entrepreneurial journey into the Netherlands. This paper reveals stories of the nature of interactions between refugees and the ecosystem, with experiences of inclusive cooperation on the one hand and experiences of a more prohibitive role of the ecosystem on the other hand. Alfa-college gave access to the research population through a special 1-year program with training, intervision, coaching and networking. The research at Alfa-college reveals four controversies: Political goals versus daily practices of bureaucracy, entrepreneurship is fun versus daily practice, using experienced knowledge of (un)successful refugee entrepreneurs versus one size fits all approach policies for enhancing entrepreneurship for migrants with a refugee background and where is success versus where do I start? Throughout the stories and controversies a liminal position from the refugees becomes apparent. The research makes an academic and conceptual contribution by highlighting to dynamics of refugee entrepreneurial journeys and barriers they experience.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Economic Geography of cross-border migration
EditorsKarima Kourtit, Peter Nijkamp, Bruce Newbold, Mark Partridge
Place of PublicationSpringer Publications
PublisherSpringer Nature Switzerland AG
Chapter10
Pages379–400
Number of pages22
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-48291-6
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-48290-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Dec 2020

Publication series

SeriesFootprints of Regional Science
ISSN2662-9623

Keywords

  • entrepreneurship
  • migration
  • refugee integration
  • labor market adaptation

Research Focus Areas Hanze University of Applied Sciences * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Entrepreneurship

Research Focus Areas Research Centre or Centre of Expertise * (mandatory by Hanze)

  • Entrepeneurship

Publinova themes

  • Economics and Management
  • People and Society

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