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Adolescent entrepreneurial learning ecosystem and a tech entrepreneurial career—inspiration from theblack swan stories

Author

Listed:
  • Wendy D. Chen

    (Texas Tech University)

  • Zoltan Acs

    (Arlington Campus, Van Metre Hall)

  • Siri Terjesen

    (Florida Atlantic University & Norwegian School of Economics)

Abstract

Despite the importance of technology entrepreneurship, we know little about what factors lead to a tech entrepreneurial career. Based on the biographies of “black swan” tech entrepreneurs, this paper first inductively identifies the adolescent tech entrepreneurial learning ecosystem that is shared by them. We then empirically test the impact of the adolescent tech entrepreneurial learning ecosystem on individuals’ tech entrepreneurial career by using a large longitudinal dataset tracing 3116 individuals over 20 years from adolescence through adulthood. We find that the adolescent tech entrepreneurial learning ecosystem impacts individuals’ tech entrepreneurial intentions, commitments, and ultimately careers. This study ends with detailed policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy D. Chen & Zoltan Acs & Siri Terjesen, 2024. "Adolescent entrepreneurial learning ecosystem and a tech entrepreneurial career—inspiration from theblack swan stories," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(3), pages 1157-1176, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:62:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s11187-023-00786-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-023-00786-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial ecosystem; Youth entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurial intention; Entrepreneurial commitment; Entrepreneurial career; Entrepreneurship policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • L29 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Other

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