Does Migration Work Experience Promote Return Home for Entrepreneurship? The Mediation of Cognitive Ability and the Moderation of Risk Preference

Cunhu Xi (), Yingqin Zhang (), Xiaochi Zhao () and Xiaoqian Qu ()
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Cunhu Xi: Shaanxi Normal University
Yingqin Zhang: Shaanxi Normal University
Xiaochi Zhao: Shaanxi Normal University
Xiaoqian Qu: Shaanxi Normal University

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, No 11, 317-338

Abstract: Abstract Migrant workers play a crucial role as potential entrepreneurs in enhancing the quality and efficiency of rural revitalization, garnering widespread attention from both the academic and practical realms. Our paper utilizes micro-survey data from 542 farmers collected by our research team from 2021 to 2022 and employs experimental economics methods to measure farmers’ cognitive abilities (CA) and risk preferences (RP). It systematically examines the impact and mechanisms of migration work experience (MWE) on migrant workers’ return home for entrepreneurship (RHE). The findings reveal that MWE promotes farmers’ participation in RHE. This conclusion remains robust after addressing endogeneity issues through robustness checks and instrumental variable methods. Further mechanism exploration indicates that MWE can enhance farmers’ CA, thereby increasing their likelihood of engaging in RHE. Additionally, RP strengthens the positive effect of MWE on farmers’ participation in RHE. These findings not only provide theoretical evidence for migrant workers’ involvement in RHE but also offer valuable insights for stimulating endogenous entrepreneurial vitality in rural areas and achieving rural revitalization.

Keywords: Migrant work experience; Cognitive ability; Risk preferences; Return home for entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-01970-5

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