This study focuses on how entrepreneurs leverage social capital derived from their networks in order to access resources, within the specific context of the Enterprise Hub at the University of Strathclyde. This qualitative study also compared entrepreneurial teams with individual entrepreneurs to explore network development processes. Access to finance and credibility are particular areas of interest in order to understand how social capital can deliver specific resources, which are both critical for entrepreneurship. Six case studies were developed using data triangulation techniques, representing more than a quarter of the businesses resident within the Enterprise Hub between the months of June and August 2015. Overall, the findings reveal the diversity of each of the cases although individual entrepreneurs appear to be more comfortable networking, whereas entrepreneurial teams may benefit from simultaneous network development in multiple areas. Network development overall appears to be organic with a focus on social relationships and appreciating the potential future value of strong ties. However, the value of resources may influence targeted network development. With respect to access to resources, finance and credibility both represent critical resources that the entrepreneurs require, although the routes to obtaining these are very different across cases. Each case demonstrates strong links with a key advisor or role model, which represents significant social and symbolic capital. Other symbolic capital signals were also important, including competition wins and obtaining finance. The key findings of this study reveal interactions between multiple capital forms, representing a rich opportunity for further research.
| Date of Award | 3 Nov 2015 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Sponsors | University of Strathclyde |
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