Enterprise and Entrepreneurship on Islands

Mike Danson, Kathryn Burnett

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    17 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose
    This chapter contributes to addressing the gap in the literature on entrepreneurs and enterprise in island and remote rural environments.

    Approach
    The research, policy and practice literature on island enterprises and entrepreneurs is reviewed, taking Scotland as a focus within wider international contexts. Islands – as spaces and cultural places – are recognised in terms of ‘otherness’ and difference, not least in respect of tourism and culture. The importance of distance, isolation and peripherality is discussed as social constructions – myths and narratives – as well as in their mainstream measured equivalences. Agencies and policies are introduced at different levels and given significance reflecting their particular relevance in remote and isolated communities. The significance of the dominant paradigm founded on agglomeration, clusters, connectivity, proximity and competitiveness in the peripheralisation of those establishing and running businesses on islands is explored critically. This is contrasted with experiences from comparative northern European locations of smart specialisation, innovation and resilience, and the underpinning key roles of social capital, relationships and cultural values and norms are identified. Sectoral case studies and enterprise are offered to examine these issues in context.

    Findings
    As this is an exploratory study, results are neither comprehensive nor definitive. However, they are indicative of how forces and obstacles apply in island and remote rural environments.

    Research, practical and social implications
    The study confirms the need to recognise social relations locally, and for policies and strategies to be proofed for locational differences.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationExploring Rural Enterprise
    Subtitle of host publicationNew Perspectives on Research, Policy & Practice
    EditorsColette Henry, Gerard McElwee
    PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
    Pages151-174
    Number of pages24
    ISBN (Electronic)978-1-78441-109-1
    ISBN (Print)9781784411121
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Publication series

    NameContemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research
    PublisherEmerald Group Publishing Limited
    Volume4
    ISSN (Print)2040-7246

    Keywords

    • enterprise
    • entrepreneurship
    • islandness

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