Does digital proximity between countries impact entrepreneurship

Purpose – This paper aims to determine if there is a spatial dependence in the entrepreneurial activity among countries. The existence of a “digital proximity” could explain the spatial pattern of entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach – This question is empirically addressed by using a five-period, 2008-2012, panel data for 35 countries. A spatial fixed effects panel data model is estimated by using the total entrepreneurial activity published by the global entrepreneurship monitor as the dependent variable. Findings – A significant negative influence of the digital proximity on the entrepreneurial activity is observed. Mobile broadband (MB) direct effect is positive while the indirect effect (the spatial spillovers) is negative, leading to a negative total effect on the total entrepreneurial activity. This result is contrary to non-spatial models’ results. Besides, a higher MB penetration in a country would lead to a competitive advantage fostering its opportunities for entrepreneurship, but redu...