Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Economic Prosperity in Europe
Insights and Lessons from the Italian Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/10.1590/1980-858525038800033103Keywords:
immigrants entrepreneurship, transnational networks, migration policy, European Union, ItalyAbstract
This contribution aims at exploring the sectoral and structural characteristics of immigrant entrepreneurship in Italy, highlighting both its dynamism and its intrinsic fragilities within the broader European context. Building on the concept of “globalization from below”, the analysis seeks to illuminate how immigrant-led enterprises, despite operating predominantly in less specialized and lower-income sectors, contribute significantly to economic vitality, social innovation and transnational linkages. The study further intends to offer policy-relevant insights by critically examining the tensions between growth potential and structural vulnerabilities and by formulating strategic recommendations to unlock the full developmental role of immigrant entrepreneurship in a country - like Italy - marked by demographic decline, youth emigration and labour market stagnation...
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