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Abstract

This study uses keyword search data from Google to construct an index representing broad interest in entrepreneurship in Virginia. Dynamic correlations are evaluated to identify how short-term movements in the index relate to employment and earnings, leading economic indicators, home prices and business applications. Results support opportunity-driven mindsets in the labor market but not in the real estate market. The index is shown to have some economic prediction power, and is capable of producing new insights compared to data from actual business activity. This study highlights the role entrepreneurial interest may play in policy and lays the groundwork for further research.

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