Entrepreneurial Migration in the Kaliningrad Region: Exploring Potential and Constraining Factors

Introduction. The Kaliningrad Region remains an attractive region for migrants in Russia, despite the increase in risks and threats after 2022. For the Russian exclave, where an active entrepreneurial environment has been formed, the study of migrant entrepreneurs starting new or relocating existing businesses is of considerable scientific interest. The aim of this paper is to study the migration of entrepreneurs to the Kaliningrad Region from the point of view of expanding the use of their potential, which is of high practical significance for increasing the involvement of internal migrants in the region’s economy. Materials and Methods. The study is based on the results of a representative survey of the population of the Kaliningrad Region (2024) and in-depth interviews with migrant entrepreneurs from other regions of Russia (2022). Migration aspirations of entrepreneurs, factors of attraction and repulsion of migrant entrepreneurs, as well as opportunities and limitations in realizing the potential of migrant entrepreneurs are revealed. The correspondence between the identified factors, individual and environmental characteristics of migrant entrepreneurs was established in order to determine the migration strategies of entrepreneurs. Results. Migration attitudes, as well as pull and push factors, have been determined; opportunities and limitations for the realization of migrant entrepreneurs’ potential have been assessed. It is proved that the totality of push and pull factors depends on individual and environmental characteristics, migration and entrepreneurial experience, and financial opportunities. It is found that the surveyed entrepreneurs, self-employed and heads of organizations in the region are characterized by high migration mobility, while the mood to change the place of residence is poorly represented. The key migration strategies of entrepreneurs were identified and substantiated: 1) choosing the best conditions for business, 2) improving living conditions, 3) creative impulse. Recommendations have been developed to increase the involvement of internal migrants in the region’s economy with the purpose of the realization of their entrepreneurial potential. Discussion and Conclusion. A number of proposed measures and mechanisms of business support were outlined and discussed. Their goal is to promote the active use of the potential of migrant entrepreneurs. It is proved that increasing the level of business development, including at the expense of migrants, allows to strengthen the position of economic security of the Russian exclave.