Regional development and family business: a perspective article

PurposeThis perspective article aims to summarise the understanding of the link between regional development and family business and explore potential pathways for further investigations.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a scoping review methodology which attempts to explore a new topic of study and unveil its main concepts and relationships.FindingsThis study emphasises the need to enhance the cross-fertilisation of knowledge to bridge the gap between studies on regional development and family business. In addition to the traditional research pathways towards discerning the impact of formal and informal institutional contexts and economic and geographical locations on family business behaviour and performance, this perspective article encourages future researchers to delve into the regional-level mechanisms through which family businesses can influence and contribute to regional economic and social outcomes.Originality/valueThis perspective study employs a context theorising lens to examine the connection between regional development and family business.