Doctoral Dissertation Research: Social Networks and Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how immigrant Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley use social networks to develop their enterprises. The dissertation hypothesizes that the strong social ties typical of co-ethnic networks are especially important for success in startup phases but that the weak ties found in broader networks beyond the ethnic community become more important during the expansion phase. Data will be collected in a survey followed up by more intensive interviews.