ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a symbiotic relationship between cosmopolitanism and entrepreneurship. In this relationship cosmopolitan cities and entrepreneurship benefit from each other and flourish. The chapter argues that both Istanbul and London possess similar traits of a cosmopolitan city and both offer a range of similar kinds of opportunities for entrepreneurs, whilst the choice is determined by individual preferences. Currently, both cities are experiencing political pressure (Brexit’s impact in London, and a more inward-looking environment after a failed coup attempt in Turkey), which sets constraints for entrepreneurship and, to a certain degree, undermines the diverse nature of transnational entrepreneurship in each of the two cities. This comparative study of London and Istanbul investigates the features, commonalities and differences of two urban areas, and then compares the roles of various actors involved in fostering entrepreneurship. It concludes by drawing insights into the enablers of the symbiotic relationship between cities’ cosmopolitanism and entrepreneurship and highlights implications for policy and practice.
