Just about to give my presentation at the conference.
It will examine the myths surround the activities, potential and abilities of immigrants from the new accession countries within the Welsh and UK labour market.
Anecdotal evidence often suggests that this group possess a strong work ethic and are a highly entrepreneurial group of individuals. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), we examine the propensity of immigrants from the new accession states to enter self-employment compared to those individuals born in the UK or in the original EU-15 countries.
We actually find that a higher proportion of immigrants from the accession countries display an intention to start a business in the near future and consider entrepreneurship as a good career choice.
However, this does not translate into a higher level of entrepreneurial activity, which may reflect the findings that accession country immigrants are no more likely than the rest of the population to perceive good start-up opportunities to exist or to have the skills to start a business.
The results therefore suggest that that a valuable source of entrepreneurial activity may be underutilised due to a lack of confidence and ability.
Indeed, we could be missing a trick here in promoting entrepreneurship amongst immigrants to Wales, many which have the propensity towards start-up.
There have been some interesting papers a this event which will help us to place the Welsh situation in context and I will blog on a few over the next couple of weeks.
It will examine the myths surround the activities, potential and abilities of immigrants from the new accession countries within the Welsh and UK labour market.
Anecdotal evidence often suggests that this group possess a strong work ethic and are a highly entrepreneurial group of individuals. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), we examine the propensity of immigrants from the new accession states to enter self-employment compared to those individuals born in the UK or in the original EU-15 countries.
We actually find that a higher proportion of immigrants from the accession countries display an intention to start a business in the near future and consider entrepreneurship as a good career choice.
However, this does not translate into a higher level of entrepreneurial activity, which may reflect the findings that accession country immigrants are no more likely than the rest of the population to perceive good start-up opportunities to exist or to have the skills to start a business.
The results therefore suggest that that a valuable source of entrepreneurial activity may be underutilised due to a lack of confidence and ability.
Indeed, we could be missing a trick here in promoting entrepreneurship amongst immigrants to Wales, many which have the propensity towards start-up.
There have been some interesting papers a this event which will help us to place the Welsh situation in context and I will blog on a few over the next couple of weeks.
Comments
Interestingly – at least I think so – we have examples such as Terry Mathews who started Mitel after emigrating to Canada and then returned, bringing his business skills back to Wales. Then we have, almost certainly the greatest entrepreneur Wales has ever produced, Michael Moritz (Google his name and you’ll see what I mean). I think I’m right in saying that Moritz’s family (but not him) were immigrants to Wales. Both of these men fit the bill of high levels of education added to exceptional skills in their respective fields. I’m sure others can cite more examples than these two. Maybe longitudinal studies of the lives of individuals such as these may throw some light how highly skilled individuals transform into succesful entrepreneurs.