Bridging spheres: how indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs navigate complex networks for business success

Purpose This study aims to compare the networking behaviors of indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs, exploring how their embeddedness in private, professional and transnational spheres influences their entrepreneurial success. The research seeks to fill the gap in understanding the differential network compositions and the role these networks play in shaping entrepreneurial outcomes across diverse cultural contexts. Design/methodology/approach The research utilizes data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey, analyzing a sample of 46,130 entrepreneurs across 39 countries. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the study examines the network compositions of first-generation, second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs and indigenous entrepreneurs, focusing on their interactions in various social and professional spheres. Findings The findings reveal that first-generation immigrant entrepreneurs tend to have more extensive networks compared to indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly in transnational and professional spheres. Contrary to popular assumptions, these entrepreneurs do not rely more heavily on private networks than their indigenous counterparts. The study also highlights significant differences between first and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs, with the latter displaying a diminished transnational network presence. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by its reliance on cross-sectional data, which may not fully capture the dynamics of network development over time. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies to better understand how network compositions evolve and impact entrepreneurial success. Practical implications The findings suggest that policy initiatives aimed at supporting immigrant entrepreneurs should be tailored to their specific networking needs, particularly in fostering connections in professional and transnational spheres. Enhancing access to diverse networks could improve entrepreneurial outcomes for both first- and second-generation immigrants. Social implications By recognizing the unique networking strategies of immigrant entrepreneurs, host countries can better integrate these entrepreneurs into their economies, promoting social cohesion and economic development through targeted support and inclusion policies. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of immigrant entrepreneurship by offering a large-scale, comparative analysis of entrepreneurial networks across multiple countries. It challenges traditional views on immigrant reliance on ethnic and private networks and provides new insights into how different types of networks influence entrepreneurial success.