This study examines whether access to generative AI (GenAI) technologies affects entrepreneurial entry and, if so, how. We propose two mechanisms for a potential positive effect: (1) an augmentation channel that pulls prospective entrepreneurs into opportunity-driven entrepreneurship as they automate various peripheral tasks, and (2) an automation channel that pushes displaced wage workers into necessity-driven entrepreneurship as firms automate their core tasks. Leveraging the sudden release of ChatGPT, which democratized public GenAI access, we exploit industry variation in GenAI exposure for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in a difference-in-differences design. We find that GenAI access leads to increased incorporated entrepreneurship for individuals with higher GenAI exposure. Mechanism tests support the augmentation channel and reveal important heterogeneities in who benefits more from GenAI.
Ansprechpartner: Daehyun Kim
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