开源软件与全球创业

Open source software and global entrepreneurship

RESEARCH POLICY · 2023
被引 38
人大 AFT50ABS 4*

中文导读

研究了国家层面GitHub开源软件参与度如何影响新科技企业的创立,发现参与度提升会带来次年新创企业数量增加,且这些企业更注重使命和全球导向、质量更高。

Abstract

This is the first study to consider the relationship between open source software (OSS) and entrepreneurship around the globe. This study measures whether country-level participation on the GitHub OSS platform affects the founding of innovative ventures, and where it does so, for what types of ventures. We estimate these effects using cross-country variation in new venture founding and OSS participation. We propose an approach using instrumental variables, and cannot reject a causal interpretation. The study finds that an increase in GitHub participation in a given country generates an increase in the number of new technology ventures within that country in the subsequent year. The evidence suggests this relationship is complementary to a country's endowments, and does not substitute for them. In addition to this positive change in the rate of entrepreneurship, we also find a change in direction—OSS contributions lead to new ventures that are more mission- and global-oriented and are of a higher quality. Together, the results suggest that OSS can boost entrepreneurial activity, albeit with a human capital prerequisite. Finally, we consider the implications for policies that encourage OSS as a lever for stimulating entrepreneurial growth.

创业开源软件新创企业人力资本经济增长