The Impact of the Gig Economy on Entrepreneurship and Firm Growth
Publication Date
4-19-2022
Grant Type
Early Career Research Award
Description
Our project seeks to answer the following questions to inform policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics. The first direction of our research focuses on how the gig economy might mitigate frictions in raising capital to start and support a business. How does the gig economy affect entrepreneurial entry and growth? Is there heterogeneity in these effects based on the characteristics and background of entrepreneurs? Does the gig economy provide an alternative funding source for entrepreneurs who are financially constrained? The opportunities in the gig economy might facilitate entry into entrepreneurship particularly for individuals who are disadvantaged. The second direction of our research investigates how the gig economy changes growth dynamics. The gig economy could change the way that entrepreneurs create jobs and how they scale their businesses.