Exploring the role of ethnic networking ties in immigrant entrepreneurship: a comprehensivereview and research agenda

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the role of ethnic networking ties in immigrant entrepreneurshipliterature, shedding light on insights that have been overlooked in existing literature.Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review was conducted using a sample of 127articles sourced fromtheWeb of Science database. This review used a combination of bibliometric and contentanalysis.Findings – The findings revealed the underproduction in this research field. The authors identified the dualcharacteristics and different types of ethnic ties, presented across various stages of immigrant business, theaspects often overlooked in current research. Drawing from these results, the authors proposed a conceptualmodel introducing four interconnected dimensions – local context, personal level, ethnic enclave and businessdevelopment stages – that collectively shape the examination of ethnic ties and suggest avenues for furtherresearch to understand their role in the immigrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.Originality/value – This study offers three notable contributions to existing literature. Firstly, to the best ofthe authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that systematically reviews the current research status of ethnicties in immigrant entrepreneurship. Secondly, it uncovered the dynamic nature of ethnic ties and their rolesacross various immigrant business stages. Thirdly, it introduces a conceptual model that serves as a frameworkfor future investigations, addressing the under-explored multidimensional nature of ethnic ties, therebypresenting several practical, social and theoretical implications.