Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Kim, Ayoung

Committee Member

Davis, Will

Committee Member

Canales, Elizabeth

Date of Degree

8-8-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Agricultural Economics

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Agricultural Economics

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of regional factors on firm survival, with a particular focus on the startup and growing phases of firms. By employing Cox-proportional hazard models, the analysis centers on Mississippi establishments and considers regional attributes such as industry specialization, diversity and workforce education levels. The findings reveal that industry specialization does not significantly impact firm survival, while industry diversity has a negative effect, indicating a lack of discernible agglomeration benefits within Mississippi's business environment. Interestingly, regions characterized by educated and skilled workers exhibit a positive association with firm survival, particularly in the growing stage rather than during the startup phase. The findings emphasize the need to tailor strategies based on the firm's specific maturity stage in order to enhance their chances of survival.

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