Towards new understandings: a literature review of refugee entrepreneurship in poverty contexts

Maria Ivanova-Gongne, Stefan Lång and Malin Brännback

Chapter 8 in Handbook of Research on Base of the Pyramid Entrepreneurship, 2026, pp 136-162 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter reviews the current state of refugee entrepreneurship studies in poverty contexts, highlighting a significant gap in research within developing countries. Only 26 articles on this topic have been published in entrepreneurship journals over the course of 2000–2024. To provide meaningful policy implications and achieve lasting social impact, increased research on refugee entrepreneurship in poverty contexts is essential. Theoretical frameworks often apply concepts like bricolage, but further exploration is needed to understand differences in entrepreneurial behaviors among various displaced groups. Social capital, networks, and contextualization are crucial, particularly in informal and female entrepreneurship. Methodologically, insider perspectives are essential for accurate cultural understanding and access. Empirical studies should expand to include internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnee refugees, and climate refugees. Collaboration between local and international researchers can enhance visibility and impact. This chapter aims to encourage further research into the empowering role of refugee entrepreneurship in poverty contexts.

Keywords: Refugee; Poverty; Developing Countries; Entrepreneurship; Literature Review; BOP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781802202137
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781802202144.00014 (application/pdf)
Our link check indicates that this URL is bad, the error code is: 403 Forbidden

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:20990_8

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().