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The Vietnamese entrepreneurship paradox: how can entrepreneurs thrive without political and economic freedom?

Author

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  • David B. Audretsch

    (Indiana University)

  • Antje Fiedler

    (University of Auckland)

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and democracy are often considered complementary, but recent evidence points to a paradox that entrepreneurial activities have increased in undemocratic contexts. Exploring economic and political freedoms, this paper investigates the development of entrepreneurship in Vietnam, an economy characterised by low economic and very low political freedoms. It suggests changes in economic freedom over time influence opportunity perceptions and activities more than absolute levels. We identify key aspects of how culture and institutions have changed, which have been conducive to entrepreneurship. Overall, we show how even small increases in economic freedom stimulate entrepreneurship, even in the absence of political freedom.

Suggested Citation

  • David B. Audretsch & Antje Fiedler, 2022. "The Vietnamese entrepreneurship paradox: how can entrepreneurs thrive without political and economic freedom?," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 1179-1197, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:47:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s10961-021-09873-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-021-09873-2
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    2. Truong, Anh Tran Tram, 2023. "Entrepreneurial identity play through cross-cultural experience: Insights from returnees," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic freedom; Political freedom; Democracy; Entrepreneurship; Vietnam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • P00 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General - - - General

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