Entrepreneurship in Klarendal: A qualitative study on neighbourhood liveability and social value creation in Arnhem
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2025-07-06
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en
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This thesis explores how local entrepreneurs contribute to social value creation through liveability in the residential neighbourhood of Klarendal, Arnhem. Since the development of the Modekwartier, entrepreneurs have become a central part of the strategy to improve neighbourhood liveability. This thesis is in collaboration with housing corporation Volkshuisvesting Arnhem (VHV), which owns the majority of both social housing and commercial properties in Klarendal. This research investigates the extent to which entrepreneurs contribute to liveability, how they perceive the concept, and which characteristics underlie these contributions. Based on semi-structured interviews with 20 respondents, this qualitative study reveals that entrepreneurs contribute to liveability through three interconnected practices: everyday presence and small gestures, enhancing public quality and atmosphere, and communityoriented initiatives. In doing so, they adopt roles as good neighbours, attractors, and social connectors. These contributions are not self-evident but depend on financial stability, a sense of responsibility, and foundational conditions provided by institutions such as VHV and the municipality. The findings show that social value creation is grounded in local embeddedness, shared ownership of the environment, and a collective commitment to neighbourhood identity. In Klarendal, it is not the type of business that matters most, but the connection with their environment, because besides being an entrepreneur, they are residents during the day too.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen