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Abstract: It is well documented that immigrants can contribute to innovation and entrepreneurial activities in the host society. One of the dominant theories explaining these contributions of immigrants is the knowledge spillover theory, which argues that knowledge from immigrants’ home country is different from the knowledge base of the receiving society and, therefore, can stimulate innovative activities. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the geographic diversity of Hispanic settlements as an increasing number of Hispanic immigrants are settling down in new destinations. This spatial diffusion of Hispanics poses new opportunities and obstacles for immigrants’ assimilation and integration. Consequently, the knowledge spillover process may also differ between traditional and new destinations, with important implications for entrepreneurial activities. Using four datasets at the Core-Based Statistical Area level, this study compares traditional and new destinations in how increases in the Hispanic population are associated with entrepreneurship and innovation.

Bio: Han Liu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate working with S4 and the Population Studies and Training Center at Brown University. His research lies at the intersection of social stratification and demography. Specifically, his current projects focus on 1) the consequences of early-life health on children and their families, 2) social determinants of racial inequality in health, and 3) Immigration and entrepreneurship in traditional and new destinations. Some of his recent work can be found in Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Population Research and Policy Review, and Journal of Urban Health.