Spatial differentiation characteristics and impact factors of entrepreneurship of floating population in China

Systematic analysis of the spatial distribution patterns and impact factors of entrepreneurship among the floating population is of great significance for improving population policies, promoting economic development, and maintaining social stability. Existing studies have primarily focused on the entrepreneurial behavior of returning rural migrants, while research on the entrepreneurial activities of migrants in destination areas and their spatial disparities remains insufficient. Based on the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), this study employs spatial statistics, and fixed-effects regression models to examine the spatial differentiation characteristics and impact factors of entrepreneurship among China’s floating population. The results show that: 1) Entrepreneurship among the floating population in China generally exhibits a south-north gradient. Higher urban scale cities, particularly those in urban agglomerations like the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, have higher entrepreneurship rates among the floating population. 2) In terms of entrepreneurship types, survival entrepreneurship is mainly distributed in the eastern coastal and more economically developed central regions, while opportunity entrepreneurship is primarily found in the eastern and central regions. 3) Individual and family characteristics, social security conditions, and urban integration are important factors influencing entrepreneurship among the floating population. Factors such as age, marital status, family size, and urban integration positively drive entrepreneurship among the floating population, while high rental costs and social security card ownership tend to have a suppressive effect. Based on the above findings, it is suggested that the eastern region should further optimize the entrepreneurial environment and promote high-level, innovation-driven entrepreneurship. For the central, western, and northeastern regions, greater entrepreneurial support, reduced entry barriers, and enhanced regional entrepreneurial vitality are recommended. Moreover, it is advised that local governments improve housing security, provide flexible financial support, and strengthen social integration mechanisms to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity and quality of the floating population.