Beyond mixed embeddedness: Multilevel personal networks of migrant entrepreneurs in Naples and Manchester

Abstract

This article analyses immigrant entrepreneurship in different urban contexts and recognizes its significant impact on the economic and sociocultural development of cities. Immigrant entrepreneurs are often concentrated in neighbourhoods and promote diversified economic activities. The mixed embeddedness (ME) framework highlights the complex interplay of contextual, economic and institutional factors that shape immigrant entrepreneurship. As a source of social capital, entrepreneurial networks provide access to resources and opportunities. Despite all progress, the systematic analysis and quantification of embeddedness among immigrant entrepreneurs remains a challenge. This article aims to understand how different urban contexts shape various entrepreneurial strategies by quantifying forms of embeddedness. To pursue this goal, we examined the entrepreneurial strategies of Sri Lankans in Rione Sanità (Naples, Italy) and Pakistani entrepreneurs in Rusholme (Manchester, United Kingdom). By using social network analysis, this article reveals distinct forms of embeddedness and how the characteristics of urban contexts and groups simultaneously help define differences in entrepreneurial strategies.