E-Platform-Enabled Transnational E-Entrepreneurship: Case Studies of Chinese Immigrant Entrepreneurs in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper examines transnational e-entrepreneurs enabled by e-platforms through the lens of entrepreneurship process theories. The authors argue that transnational e-entrepreneurs engaging in necessity-driven e-entrepreneurship have been neglected in current related literature. This paper first proposes that transnational e-entrepreneurship research should be conducted in a framework of cross-country e-entrepreneurial ecosystem that combines host- and home-country entrepreneurial ecosystems and digital ecosystems. Then the framework was tested by case studies and proved to be valid. The paper found that e-platforms enabled necessity-driven transnational entrepreneurs to operate in the same manner with opportunity-drive entrepreneurship. The authors also conclude future research themes for transnational e-entrepreneurship study should separate necessity-driven and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs. It suggests the policymaker needs to emphasize necessity-driven e-entrepreneurs.