Mixed embeddedness of immigrant entrepreneurs in microstates. The case of Andorra

Abstract

The theory of mixed embeddedness has been empirically tested in several countries showing how immigrant entrepreneurs utilize network resources coming from both the country of origin and residence, including institutions. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the networks of immigrant entrepreneurs residing in a microstate. Specific features of microstates may affect the way in which migrant entrepreneurs develop their ventures. Therefore, we collected the personal networks of 40 entrepreneurs through a mixed-method approach, in order to understand the mechanisms through which the microstate context affects entrepreneurs' support networks. Our results indicate that in Andorra migrants need higher levels of support from people settled in or close to Andorra in comparison to immigrants in other contexts. Contacts in the sending country only play a secondary role.