Mixed Embeddedness and Migrant Entrepreneurship: Hints on Past and Future Directions. An Introduction

The rise of migrant entrepreneurship — small business activities carried out by migrants in their destination countries — has been the subject of a large body of academic research. Over the years, the mixed embeddedness model has gained increased attention, and it has been used to study migrant entrepreneurship. After almost twenty years (1999-2018), this paper examines this approach and underlines the contribution that it has provided to the field. Furthermore, we identify three main streams of research in which the mixed embeddedness approach has been applied and can be further developed in connection with migrant entrepreneurship: 1) the spatial dimension of migrant entrepreneurs’ embeddedness; 2) super-diversity; and 3) transnationalism. Also referencing the other articles included in this symposium, in the conclusions, we stress the importance of broadening the perspective by exploring other domains in which mixed embeddedness can be applied in the field of migrant entrepreneurship.