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Refugees and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Ukrainians in Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Pierre-Louis Vézina
  • Cevat Giray Aksoy
  • Piotr Lewandowski

Abstract

We examine business creation by Ukrainian refugees in Poland following the Russian invasion. We find that Ukrainians started 38,833 firms in 2022–23, accounting for 7% of all registrations. Our survey shows that 58% of post-invasion Ukrainian founders are refugees, and cross-county regressions show that a 10% increase in adult male Ukrainian refugees is associated with a 2.7% increase in Ukrainian firm registrations. We then show that new Ukrainian businesses stimulate Polish entrepreneurship. Using a shift-share strategy based on refugee shocks and Ukrainians’ comparative advantage, we find that a 10% increase in Ukrainian registrations led to 2.3% more Polish firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierre-Louis Vézina & Cevat Giray Aksoy & Piotr Lewandowski, 2025. "Refugees and Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Ukrainians in Poland," IBS Working Papers 07/2025, Instytut Badan Strukturalnych.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibt:wpaper:wp072025
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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