Anais
Resumo do trabalho
Empreendedorismo · Redes de Empreendedores, Desenvolvimento Regional e Microempreendedorismo
Título
Immigrant entrepreneurship in Portugal’s new migration wave: A systematic review and theoretical expansion of the mixed embeddedness model
Palavras-chave
Immigrant entrepreneurship
Portugal
Mixed embeddedness
Agradecimento:
This research was supported by the Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), through the Jovem Cientista do Nosso Estado program (Grant No. E-26/204.608/2024).
Autores
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Marcelo Ferreira da CostaFGV - EPGE
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Roberto P Q FalcaoUNIVERSIDADE DO GRANDE RIO PROFESSOR JOSÉ DE SOUZA HERDY (UNIGRANRIO)
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Eduardo Picanço CruzUNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL FLUMINENSE (UFF)
Resumo
Introdução
Portugal has become a strategic destination for a new wave of migrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Many immigrants turn to entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic integration. However, the literature has not kept pace with recent changes in migrant profiles, business sectors, and institutional contexts. This study reviews emerging patterns in immigrant entrepreneurship and maps gaps in the literature to support a forward-looking research agenda.
Problema de Pesquisa e Objetivo
What are the existing research gaps at the micro, meso, and macro levels concerning immigrant entrepreneurship in Portugal’s new migration wave? The study aims to identify and analyse these gaps through a systematic literature review, using the mixed embeddedness framework. It also proposes a theoretical expansion to better capture recent dynamics such as platform work, cultural valorisation, and media narratives.
Fundamentação Teórica
The study adopts the mixed embeddedness framework (Kloosterman & Rath, 1999), which integrates micro (individual), meso (community), and macro (institutional) factors. Based on gaps identified in the literature, the article proposes three additional forms of embeddedness: digital (use of platforms), aesthetic-cultural (valorisation of cultural repertoires), and narrative (impact of media and institutional narratives), enhancing the framework’s explanatory capacity.
Discussão
A qualitative systematic review was conducted using Scopus and PRISMA guidelines. Thirteen peer-reviewed articles (2015–2025) on immigrant entrepreneurship in Portugal were analysed, complemented by the AIMA (2023) report. Articles were categorized according to migrant origin, business strategy, and level of analysis. Additional 68 articles on migration were screened to contextualize demographic and institutional patterns. Findings were structured across three levels: micro (resilience, social capital), meso (ethnic niches, lifestyle strategies), and macro (public policies, media discourse).
Conclusão
Gaps were identified for underrepresented groups such as Nepalese and Indians, and in themes like digital entrepreneurship, hybrid models, and creative sectors. A revised framework with new embeddedness dimensions was proposed to address these gaps. Immigrant entrepreneurship in Portugal is shaped by diverse trajectories, sectoral niches, and structural asymmetries. Existing research fails to capture key groups and emerging strategies. The proposed theoretical expansion helps explain contemporary dynamics and offers new analytical tools for future studies and poposals to support policies.
Contribuição / Impacto
The study contributes conceptually by expanding the mixed embeddedness framework and empirically by mapping research gaps by migrant origin and business strategy. It informs both academia and public policy, suggesting new directions for inclusive research and institutional support. It also highlights how overlooked groups and sectors can reshape the immigrant entrepreneurial landscape.
Referências Bibliográficas
Kloosterman, R., van der Leun, J., & Rath, J. (1999). Mixed embeddedness: (In)formal economic activities and immigrant businesses in the Netherlands. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 23(2), 252–266.
Cruz, E. P., & De Queiroz Falcão, R. P. (2020). Market orientation for immigrant and ethnic small and mediumsized Brazilian immigrant ventures overseas. REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal, 9(4), 641–671.
Sarkar, S., Bilau, J. J., & Correia, M. (2022). Financing the creation of microenterprises with microcredit: Does being an immigrant make a difference? JSBE
Cruz, E. P., & De Queiroz Falcão, R. P. (2020). Market orientation for immigrant and ethnic small and mediumsized Brazilian immigrant ventures overseas. REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal, 9(4), 641–671.
Sarkar, S., Bilau, J. J., & Correia, M. (2022). Financing the creation of microenterprises with microcredit: Does being an immigrant make a difference? JSBE