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Peer Networks and Entrepreneurship: A Pan-African RCT

Author

Listed:
  • Vega-Redondo, Fernando

    (Universidad de Alicante)

  • Pin, Paolo

    (Bocconi University)

  • Ubfal, Diego

    (World Bank)

  • Benedetti-Fasil, Cristiana

    (European University Institute)

  • Brummitt, Charles

    (Harvard University)

  • Rubera, Gaia

    (Bocconi University)

  • Hovy, Dirk

    (Bocconi University)

  • Fornaciari, Tommaso

    (Bocconi University)

Abstract

Can large-scale peer interaction foster entrepreneurship and innovation? We conducted an RCT involving almost 5,000 entrepreneurs from 49 African countries. All were enrolled in an online business course, and the treatment involved random assignment to either face-to-face or virtual (Internet-mediated) interaction. We find positive treatment effects on both the submission of business plans and their quality, provided interaction displays some intermediate diversity. Network effects are also significant on both outcomes, although diversity plays a different role for each. This shows that effective peer interaction can be feasibly implemented quite broadly but must also be designed carefully, in view of the pursued objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Vega-Redondo, Fernando & Pin, Paolo & Ubfal, Diego & Benedetti-Fasil, Cristiana & Brummitt, Charles & Rubera, Gaia & Hovy, Dirk & Fornaciari, Tommaso, 2019. "Peer Networks and Entrepreneurship: A Pan-African RCT," IZA Discussion Papers 12848, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12848
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    Cited by:

    1. Fernando Vega-Redondo & Paolo Pin & Diego Ubfal & Cristiana Benedetti-Fasil & Charles Brummitt & Gaia Rubera & Dirk Hovy & Tommaso Fornaciari, 2019. "Peer Networks and Entrepreneurship: a Pan-African RCT," Working Papers 648, IGIER (Innocenzo Gasparini Institute for Economic Research), Bocconi University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networks; peer effects; entrepreneurship; innovation; semantic analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O35 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Social Innovation

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