Living on an Island: Start-ups, spatial heterogeneity and remote entrepreneurial ecosystems

In this paper we focus specifically on start-ups in remote island entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) and consider the differences between these entrepreneurs compared to their mainland Scottish and UK counterparts. We find that Island new start-up entrepreneurs tend to be older, less well educated, more likely to be female, and less likely to be from an ethnic minority. They borrow similar amounts of start-up capital than their mainland counterparts and are equally likely to survive. Despite their geographical remoteness, this suggests that entrepreneurial activity makes a meaningful contribution to their respective EEs. • This paper focuses on start-ups in remote island entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). • It finds that Island new start-up entrepreneurs tend to be older, less well educated, more likely to be female, and less likely to be from an ethnic minority. • They borrow similar amounts of start-up capital than their mainland counterparts and are equally likely to survive. • Entrepreneurial activity is salient feature of the Scottish Islands, making a valuable contribution to their respective EEs.