Entrepreneurship in the digital era

Zhou, Jun; Zhang, Xueyi; Korkmaz, Aslihan Gizem; Li, Youwei; Yue, Pengpeng

Abstract

This study uses panel data from 297 prefecture-level cities from 2010 to 2021 to explore the relationship between digital economy development and urban entrepreneurship. By leveraging the “Broadband China” pilot city policy as a quasi-natural experiment, we investigate how the growth of the digital economy influences entrepreneurship. The results show that digital advancements, indicated by the policy, contribute to increased entrepreneurial activity. This effect is stronger in cities with higher administrative status, better geographical positions, well-developed infrastructure, and greater market opportunities. Further analysis identifies venture capital investment, the business environment, human capital, and innovation as key channels through which the digital economy promotes entrepreneurship. These findings offer insights for understanding how digital development can support urban entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Citation

Zhou, J., Zhang, X., Korkmaz, A. G., Li, Y., & Yue, P. (2025). Entrepreneurship in the digital era. Research in international business and finance, 78, Article 102965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2025.102965

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 13, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2025
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 1, 2026
• Journal: Research in International Business and Finance
• Print ISSN: 0275-5319
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 78
• Article Number: 102965
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2025.102965
• Keywords: Digital economy; Entrepreneurship; ‘‘Broadband China’’ pilot city policy
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5237651