Critical aspects of entrepreneurship policy design for Syrian refugees in Turkey

Abstract

PurposeGovernments can influence entrepreneurial growth through public policy. This paper aims to present critical aspects of entrepreneurship policy design for Syrian refugees in Turkey and evaluate if current policies are effective for Syrian refugees in Istanbul.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an explorative phenomenological approach, contextualized within the entrepreneurial behavior literature. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen Syrian entrepreneurs residing in Istanbul.FindingsThe results show that Syrian refugees were “pushed” to start new companies. Moreover, the findings suggest that Syrian entrepreneurs could exploit better business opportunities such as targeting international markets or finding competent partners.Research limitations/implicationsThe article offers several practical and social contributions by highlighting how the entrepreneurial behavior of Syrian refugees is driven by their migration or business experiences.Practical implicationsPolicymakers in Turkey need to acknowledge how their entrepreneurial policies regarding innovation and internationalization affect the business success rate among Syrian refugees. In this regard, the Turkish government should adopt new measures that provide Syrian refugees more business flexibility. These policies may include easy access to the Turkish financial system or fewer regulations to obtain work permits. This will encourage refugees to join the formal economy and contribute to the Turkish labor market.Originality/valueThis article adds to the expanding body of knowledge on refugee entrepreneurship by emphasizing the link between refugees' personal experiences and starting new ventures. It also highlights how government policy can be strategically utilized to increase entrepreneurship among Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Drivers and obstacles on refugee entrepreneurship. The host country perspective

“…Thus, RE is often driven by necessity. Refugees initiate entrepreneurial activities to gain more independence and autonomy or because they face unfavorable employment conditions and cannot find suitable opportunities under others' supervision (Almohammad et al, 2020;Kassab et al, 2022). These endeavors aim to improve their quality of life and economic situation (Santamaria-Velasco et al, 2021).…”

Empowering Rohingya Refugees through Islamic Microfinance Exploring Prospects and Challenges in Bangladesh

“…The literature study highlights the strain brought on by the enormous number of refugees gaining access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities (Kassab et al, 2022;Qin, 2023). Negative attitudes, racism, and social discrimination might result from competition with the local community.…”

“…Another issue facing the refugees is that businesspeople who have fled their countries of origin seldom consider going back there (Kassab et al, 2022;Qin, 2023). For instance, many Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been forced to leave their homes and are now attempting to assimilate into Turkish society and establish themselves, thereby drawing on their prior experiences and social capital (Desai et al, 2021;Richey et al, 2022).…”

“…The effectiveness of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in influencing results can be hindered, among other ways, by time restrictions and restricted access to skilled personnel (Dagar, 2023;Richey et al, 2022). However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) do not lack authority and may contribute within the context of the crisis's worldwide dynamics and local players' capacity to react (Anwar et al, 2023;Kassab et al, 2022).…”

“…Despite the extensive study on microfinance interventions, there is a dearth of research examining the unique features and possibilities of Islamic microfinance for Rohingya refugees. This study aims to fill the literature gap by evaluating the opportunities and difficulties of Islamic microfinance in empowering Rohingya refugees (Anwar et al, 2023;Kassab et al, 2022).…”