FOCUS
Recent research studies have shown an increase
in entrepreneurial activities among
migrants across the world. According to a report published
by the Department of
Economic and Social Affairs, UN, in many countries the proportion of
self-employed migrants is showing an increasing trend. Further it is observed that
migrants are more likely to be entrepreneurial than natives. Self-employment provides a
livelihood for migrants who are unfamiliar with language and socioeconomic conditions of
the host country. Moreover, their entrepreneurial ventures play an instrumental role in
integrating the economies of both host and origin
countries. Host country governments can create conducive environment to promote entrepreneurship among migrants through training
and access to credit facilities. These initiatives will facilitate economic growth of the
host country and integration of migrants with the mainstream society. In this context, we
present two research articles that focus on migrant entrepreneurship.
Saeid Abbasian and Carina Bildt in their paper, "Empowerment Through
Entrepreneurship: A Tool for Integration Among Immigrant Women?", argue how entrepreneurship could
lead to empowerment among immigrant women in Sweden. This paper analyses various
factors which are involved in high level of unemployment among immigrant population and
how entrepreneurship can facilitate their economic integration with the mainstream society.
This study also examines motives behind venturing into a new business by immigrant
women in Sweden. The authors have interviewed 16 migrant women to understand
how entrepreneurship empowers them to better integrate
themselves with the host country's society.
Luisa Mengoni in the paper, "Entrepreneurship of Young Migrants Across
Mediterranean Borders", broadly examines how migration can be an effective integration
mechanism among Euro-Mediterranean societies. The paper also provides an overview of actual
flows of young people across the Mediterranean with particular relevance to human capital
(skills and abilities) and entrepreneurial functions. The authors have done survey among
the returnees of the MENA countries (Middle East and North Africa) to understand the
dynamics involved. They further suggest that a
well-managed migration process can contribute to
optimize economic and social outcomes for both countries of origin and destination.
Maribel N Mojica, Tesfa G Gebremedhin and Peter V Schaeffer in their paper,
"An Empirical Analysis of the Link Between Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth
in West Virginia", have explained how West Virginia has capitalized on the
entrepreneurship by creating economic value through the establishment of new or the growth of
existing firms. The paper uses an endogenous growth model to determine the relationship
between entrepreneurship and economic growth in West Virginia. They have found that counties
with more proprietors and business start-ups exhibited higher growths in population
and employment growth compared to less entrepreneurial counties.
Vuong Quan Hoang and Tran Tri Dung in their paper, "The Cultural Dimensions of
the Vietnamese Private Entrepreneurship", have examined the gradual progress of
entrepreneurial activities in Vietnam. Vietnam is one among those countries where traditional
Confucian culture has a strong impact on business and society. The Confucian values of
generational orders, hierarchy, paternalism, and loyalty have
greatly influenced the Vietnamese society. The authors have analyzed how these values affect the growth of entrepreneurship
in Vietnam.
The contribution by emerging market economies in the global FDI was about 13%
in 2008. It is predicted that this share is bound to increase. Many business organizations
from emerging marketing economies are rapidly making inroads
into the global arena. They either acquire foreign brands or integrate their own brands with the global brands in
their aggressive pursuit of globalization strategy. Abundant supply of manpower coupled
with labor cost advantage help these companies to leverage their position in the global
market. The Case Study, "Mahindra & Mahindra (B): An Emerging Global Giant?" by
Vandana Jayakumar and Vara Vasanthi, presents a case of one such companyMahindra &
Mahindra (M&M)which aspires to become a global player in automotive market. Initially
M&M collaborated with foreign players to understand technology. Later it has
developed innovative products which cater to the needs of both domestic and foreign markets.
Further it acquired many companies both in India and Europe which are in automotive
component manufacturing business. One of its flagship products,
Scorpio, which is being currently exported to many
countries, is known for its superior performance in terms of fuel
efficiency among others. M&M has also successfully managed the global economic downturn
through its prudent strategy. This case study further delineates the challenges that M&M will
face in order to become a global company.
-- S Senthil Kumar
Consulting Editor |