The age distribution of commercial versus non-commercial entrepreneurs

Brigitte Hoogendoorn, JMP Kok, U Stephan, LM (Lorraine) Uhlaner, Peter van der Zwan

Research output: Book/Report/Inaugural speech/Farewell speechReportAcademic

Abstract

Entrepreneurs may differ in the extent to which they strive for commercial and non-commercial (social and environmental) goals. In this study we distinguish commercial entrepreneurship from non-commercial entrepreneurship, and examine if the relationship between age and entrepreneurship is different for these different types of entrepreneurship. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2009, we find that the age distribution of non-commercial entrepreneurs is different from the age distribution of commercial entrepreneurs: the age distribution of non-commercial entrepreneurs is shifted to the right and the average age of non-commercial entrepreneurs is higher than the average age of commercial entrepreneurs. We formulate a framework for future research to further investigate the relationship between age and entrepreneurship for different types of entrepreneurship: is age a determinant of the choice to become a (non-commercial) entrepreneur, and if so why this is the case.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationZoetermeer
Number of pages20
EditionEIM Research Report H201412
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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