The underappreciated role of logistics in national systems of entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how national logistics performance facilitates new venture creation and innovation. The authors propose that national logistics performance is a key mediator in a national system of entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study combines secondary data from multiple sources with survey data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor to create an unbalanced panel spanning 84 countries across five points in time. The authors test for the mediating role of national logistics performance using a Monte Carlo method. Findings The results of mediation analysis confirm that national logistics performance is an important causal link in a national system of entrepreneurship. High-performing logistics networks at the national level help entrepreneurs launch new ventures and innovate by linking economic conditions and formal regulatory institutions with productive entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study identifies logistics as an overlooked but important component of a national system of entrepreneurship. For policymakers, this study identifies critical linkages among economic conditions, regulatory institutions, logistics and entrepreneurship. The study also has practical implications for entrepreneurs.