Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Viewing insurgency as a “calling” (Weber 1922) and entrepreneurialism as a “motivated propensity to formulate a different image of the future” (Kirzner 1985), we analyze the network relationships that contributed to the success of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) in New York State as an entrepreneurial social movement. We argue that the success of the UGRR can be traced to the ability of a few members of the network to help promote freedom by formulating a different image of the future for enslaved actors. Specifically, we suggest that the ultimate success of the UGRR in that area can be traced to the ability of a few members of the network (primarily Harriet Tubman) to identify and rely on trusted, embedded (Granovetter 1985; Uzzi 1996) and transferred network contacts to bridge structural holes (Burt 1992) to spread the message of entrepreneurialism to help others escape from bondage. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of viewing insurgency as a form of entrepreneurial action.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The value of networks as an integral part of the explanation of entrepreneurial success is widely acknowledged. It is unclear, however, in what way certain networks influence the success of start-up companies. The question of this paper is: ‘in what way does the entrepreneur’s network contribute to the success of his start-up.’ The network is important because it may contribute to three entrepreneurial processes, i.e. the ability of the entrepreneur to discover opportunities, to get resources, and to gain legitimacy. The networks of 30 ICT start-ups in the Netherlands were (re)constructed on the basis of in-depth interviews with the founders and desk research. A distinction was made between three types of initial network conditions. First, the more or less independent start-ups; secondly, spin-offs from established companies and lastly, start-ups in incubators. On the basis of the variations in the structure of the network and the type of relations we draw conclusions concerning the contribution of a particular network configuration to the ability of the start-up to survive and to grow.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: With recent changes in Central America such as the passing of CAFTA, the political economy of the region is shifting radically from primarily agricultural to more service-based economies. In particular, many Central American countries are turning to tourism as an option for future development. Ideas about development based around the generation of foreign exchange and employment have done little to alleviate the high levels of poverty and inequality in the region. This paper argues that IFIs are increasingly funding projects intended to increase the ?productive capacity? and ?enterpreneurial spirit? of the economically marginalised populations of Central American countries, offering integration into the market as the key to successful future development. Drawing on recent research into the political economy of tourism in Central America, this paper outlines an emerging ?entrepreneurial? model of development across the region, arguing that this approach does nothing to challenge structures of inequality. Using the example of gendered power relations, it shows the limits of such development strategies to contribute to meaningful social or economic development.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: No abstract available.