Creative entrepreneurs and embeddedness in non-urban places:a resource exchange and network embeddedness logic

• Published in: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
• Main Authors: Leick, Birgit, Gretzinger, Susanne, Roddvik, Irina Nikolskaja
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: creative artistic entrepreneurship; multi-level network embeddedness; multi-locational network embeddedness; resource exchanges; nascent entrepreneurship; incumbent entrepreneurship; non-urban places; illustrative case study; Creative entrepreneurship; Lofoten
• Online Access: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/da/publications/c77d8f9a-b84d-4ab7-972e-2a6fc46e0ddf; https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-07-2022-0606; https://findresearcher.sdu.dk/ws/files/238181630/Accepted_version_March_2023.pdf

Purpose: Drawing from resource-based theorising, the concept of network embeddedness and a process perspective on entrepreneurship, this paper establishes a conceptual framework to explain a multi-level and multi-locational network embeddedness of creative entrepreneurs in non-urban places. It challenges stylised facts about creative entrepreneurship as a predominantly urban phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach: Based upon the conceptual framework for creative entrepreneurship in a non-urban place, an illustrative case study of small-scale creative-design entrepreneurs on the Lofoten Islands in Norway (2019) is utilised to discuss the framework. Findings: The conceptual paper derives a fine-grained understanding about how creative entrepreneurship emerges and develops in non-urban places and contributes to a better understanding of how such places can nurture such entrepreneurship through multiple network embeddedness and resource-exchange configurations. Research limitations/implications: The article will enable further empirical research that tests, validates and, if necessary, refines the framework established. Practical implications: Creative entrepreneurs should use various resource-exchange combinations with diverse networks to become locally embedded in non-urban places. Public-policy managers need to be aware of this variety that may exist with the network embeddedness of such entrepreneurs to support them and develop the location through resource provisions. Originality/value: The paper uses an original conceptual framework.