PurposeThis study aims at developing an understanding of action pathways when adverse events force micro-enterprises to change their operations.

Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study draws upon empirical data collected from entrepreneurs facing the same adverse event—the COVID-19 pandemic—to build theory on different types of actions that micro-enterprises take and what leads up to these actions.

FindingsThe findings suggest three types of action pathways. The first pathway is set off by losses stretched out over time and generates open-ended actions. The second pathway is set off by immediate losses and generates survival-oriented actions. The third pathway is set off by potential long-term losses and generates developmental-oriented actions.

Originality/valueThis study offers novel insights into action pathways in response to adverse events, heterogeneity of such actions and processes that precede the choice of actions. It also expands the existing literature by showcasing actual actions instead of desired actions, which have already been extensively studied.

This report presents recommendations for effectively supporting and integrating refugees through entrepreneurship. The recommendations are based on a review of academic research on refugee entrepreneurship and are organized under three themes: collective efforts, education and training, and financial support. The report is intended for organizations or individuals who wish to support refugees through entrepreneurship and seek guidance on how to do so effectively.

The purpose of this research digest is to educate the public about refugee entrepreneurship by communicating the current state of research in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. This research digest on refugee entrepreneurship is organized around three themes: (1) motives and motivations, (2) challenges, and (3) outcomes.

Universities are increasingly investing resources into third mission activities, where they share and exchange knowledge with public/private partners and the surrounding society. As a result, there is also an increase in available collaboration opportunities, especially those targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With the increasing focus for universities to build collaborative relationships with SMEs there is, however, a scarce understanding of what would make SMEs interested in engaging in collaborative relationships with universities. Drawing on interviews with SMEs, this report identifies when and why SMEs want to be involved in collaborations with universities. The identified reasons are related to perceptions about how relevant, valuable, and efficient the collaboration would be for the SME. This report identifies factors that increase the perceived relevance, value, and efficiency of collaboration for the SMEs, and hence, result in a positive attitude towards and interest in collaboration. The report concludes with recommendations for leaders and coordinators of university-SME collaborations. The key value of this report lies in giving SMEs a voice by expressing their preferences for collaborations with universities.