From ethnic enclaves to transnational entrepreneurs: the American dream of the Finns in Oregon, USA
by Maria Elo; Hanneleena Hieta
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB), Vol. 31, No. 2, 2017

Abstract: The American economy builds strongly on migrant resources and businesses, presenting cases like Silicon Valley. In fact, migrants and diasporans have distinct characteristics of entrepreneurship, as they draw on their diasporic resources and networks while approaching business opportunities. Theories on diaspora entrepreneurship need to be further examined and conceptualised in regards to the roles of transnationalism and time as explanatory factors in entrepreneurial opportunity development. The Finnish diaspora in Oregon is an example of an evolving diasporic community where entrepreneurship has played an important role. The purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of transnational diaspora entrepreneurship and its evolution over time, in particular, how these diasporans approach business opportunities and create their enterprises. This case study illustrates differences in entrepreneurial paths linked to generations and integration, and that 'Finnishness' and transnationalism, in regards to entrepreneurial activities, dissolve over time, influencing opportunity recognition.

Online publication date: Wed, 10-May-2017

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