Historical roots of innovative entrepreneurial culture: the case of Italian regions

This paper investigates persistence in entrepreneurship across Italian provinces over the period 1927-2017. We distinguish between a 'general' dimension (sociopsychological) and a 'specific' dimension (learning) of the role model effect. Based on data obtained from a comprehensive survey conducted in 1927 by the Italian National Statistical Institute, we find different drivers of persistence across sectors: the only driver of persistence in high-technology sectors is the share of entrepreneurs using motive power ('specific' role model effect), while the share of industrial entrepreneurs ('general' role model effect) is an important driver of persistence in low-technology manufacturing and service sectors.