Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This book makes the case for a change in the research agenda on entrepreneurship policy. An exemplary group of authors addresses the agenda for entrepreneurship policy researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the field. A key theme is the importance of context, which is particularly marked where policy transfer is attempted. Themes covered include monitoring and evaluation, policies to promote internationalisation and critical approaches to analysing public policy in the field. The book also presents national cases where relevant policy experience is judged as worthy of wider dissemination. These chapters focus on entrepreneurship policy issues in China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Sub Saharan Africa and Poland. This book will be required reading for researchers and policy makers alike. A key message to researchers is the need to increase their understanding of the policy process as well as their engagement with policy makers. At the same time policy makers need to increase the use of systematically gathered evidence into the policy making process. Contributors include: N. Arshed, V. Barinova, H. Do, I. Drummond, X. Li, T. Mazwai, I. Mitsui, B. Ndemo, B. Piasecki, J. Potter, A. Rogut, D. Smallbone, D. Storey, M. Xheneti, J. Xu, S. Zemtsov

As the global economy continues to develop and new entrepreneurs take advantage of emerging markets, the small business sector plays a greater role of economic development in the international arena. Strategic Management in Small and Medium Enterprises: Theory and Practice contributes new research to the current array of literature on small business management under diverse geographic, economic, and socio-cultural conditions. By exploring existing theories in tandem with fresh viewpoints, this book will serve as a valuable reference to students, lecturers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers investigating the use of strategic management in various scenarios and situations.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are arguably the main drivers of economic development today. This book explores the two in depth, at both the national and regional levels, using a variety of methodologies. The expert contributors discuss the subject from a policy perspective, with case studies from a host of countries, including new member states of the EU, as well as established EU member states. Split into three parts, the book focuses on: Innovation, Entrepreneurial Activity and Regional Development, and Entrepreneurship and SME Policy. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of entrepreneurship and related subjects, as well as practitioners and policy makers in the field. Contributors include: T. Chamberlin, A. Chepurenko, D. Curran, V. Elakhovskiy, M. Freel, O. Gumenna, C. Kalantaridis, M. Kuttim, T. Mets, C. O'Gorman, B. Piasecki, E. Popovskaya, A. Richter, P. Robson, A. Rogut, S. Roper, O. Savchenko, S. Slava, U. Venesaar

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This book makes the case for a change in the research agenda on entrepreneurship policy. An exemplary group of authors addresses the agenda for entrepreneurship policy researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the field. A key theme is the importance of context, which is particularly marked where policy transfer is attempted. Themes covered include monitoring and evaluation, policies to promote internationalisation and critical approaches to analysing public policy in the field. The book also presents national cases where relevant policy experience is judged as worthy of wider dissemination. These chapters focus on entrepreneurship policy issues in China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Sub Saharan Africa and Poland. This book will be required reading for researchers and policy makers alike. A key message to researchers is the need to increase their understanding of the policy process as well as their engagement with policy makers. At the same time policy makers need to increase the use of systematically gathered evidence into the policy making process. Contributors include: N. Arshed, V. Barinova, H. Do, I. Drummond, X. Li, T. Mazwai, I. Mitsui, B. Ndemo, B. Piasecki, J. Potter, A. Rogut, D. Smallbone, D. Storey, M. Xheneti, J. Xu, S. Zemtsov

This important two-volume set presents an authoritative selection of papers concerned with entrepreneurship and public policy, drawing on a wide range of international experience. Volume I includes: entrepreneurship and economic growth, the research-policy interface, innovation and entrepreneurship, taxation policies and regulation, interventions in the market for business advice and regional perspectives on entrepreneurship. Volume II is devoted to policy evaluation studies, covering both ?hard? financial measures and ?soft? interventions focused on information, advice, training and networking. This insightful collection will be of interest to applied entrepreneurship researchers and policy makers concerned with evidence based approaches to policy.

This timely book presents contemporary research on the key role of entrepreneurship in firm growth and development strategies. The contributors reveal that a high level of entrepreneurial activity contributes to economic growth, innovative activities, competition, job creation and local development. The contents of the book, although varied in terms of the topics covered and research methods used, demonstrate the role of entrepreneurship in relation to growth and economic development in a variety of different contexts. Drawing together leading-edge European research, the expert contributors analyze a number of different issues, such as whether firm growth and performance are different concepts in entrepreneurship studies, growth strategies of IT firms, the start-up funding process, cross-border cooperation between enterprises and SME competitiveness. Entrepreneurship, Growth and Economic Development will appeal to researchers and students of entrepreneurship and small business. Policy makers will also find this book a source of inspiration. Contributors: K. Balaton, K. Becker, M. Brannback, A. Carsrud, T.M. Cooney, H. Crijns, A. Fayolle, D. Finn, V. Gupta, T. Hogan, L. Hortovanyi, E. Hutson, K. Ikeuchi, N. Kiviluoto, F. Kronthaler, J. Lepoutre, C. O Gorman, H. Okamuro, M. Raposo, D. Smallbone, C. Streb, L. Szerb, O. Tilleuil, J. Ulbert, W. Van den Berghe, K. Wagner, F. Welter, O. Witmeur, M. Xheneti

This topical study focuses on entrepreneurship and economic development in Europe's border regions. It highlights the effects of EU enlargement in these regions - both within the EU and in neighboring countries - paying particular attention to cross-border entrepreneurial activity.Cross-border cooperation involving entrepreneurs is attracting increasing attention in Europe as EU enlargement has increased the length of its borders with the former Soviet republics. The expert contributors highlight that border regions tend to be economically disadvantaged as a result of their peripherality, which means that cross-border cooperation for business purposes represents a potential development tool. This groundbreaking book contains an empirical evidence base drawn from regions in EU member states and the Newly Independent States, as well as providing a conceptual base for informed policy development. This insightful book will prove invaluable for academics and students of entrepreneurship, economics, development and European studies. Contributors include: E. Aculai, G. Agelopoulos, N. Alex, A. Bulgac, V. Gryga, N. Isakova, S. Kolb, K. Kolarov, O. Krasovska, L. Labrianidis, O. Linchevskaya, B. Piasecki, M. Pihlak, A. Pobol, A. Rogut, M. Slonimska, A. Slonimski, D. Smallbone, K. Todorov, U. Venesaar, N. Vogiatzis, E. Voutira, M. Xheneti, F. Welter, P. Zashev

This unique Handbook explores the role of government in the development of entrepreneurship in countries where twenty years ago private enterprise was illegal or barely tolerated. The expert contributors reveal that government policy is one of the key influences on the external environment in which businesses develop, particularly in countries where it has been necessary to redefine the role of the state in relation to business development. They outline how government policy can also act as an enabling and/or a constraining force with respect to entrepreneurship development, particularly in relation to institutional change and the development of a market-based economy. This Handbook includes up-to-date information and analysis as to how entrepreneurship policies have evolved in the wider Europe, focusing on the challenges that arise in designing and implementing entrepreneurship policy. The Handbook of Research on Entrepreneurship Policies in Central and Eastern Europe excellently covers different facets of entrepreneurship policies in Central and Eastern Europe and will prove invaluable for academics, students and researchers of entrepreneurship and small business as well as policy studies. Policy makers will also find plenty of key insights and relevant information in this important resource. Contributors include: B. Bradac, A. Chepurenko, J. Cieslik, A. Hofer, N. Isakova, K. Kolarov, B. Piasecki, M. Rebernik, A. Rogut, Z. Roman, A. Sauka, D. Smallbone, K. Todorov, U. Venesaar, F. Welter, M. Xheneti

This book examines entrepreneurship and small business in Russia and key countries of Eastern Europe, showing how far small businesses have developed, and discusses how far 'market reforms' and a market mentality have been taken up by ordinary people in the real everyday economy. For each of the countries examined - Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Estonia - the book reviews the progress of market reforms within the wider context of social and economic transformation, surveys the development of entrepreneurship and small firms so far, and assesses the role of government in the process, and the strengths and weaknesses of the small business sector.

This book examines entrepreneurship and small business in Russia and key countries of Eastern Europe, showing how far small businesses have developed, and discusses how far 'market reforms' and a market mentality have been taken up by ordinary people in the real everyday economy. For each of the countries examined - Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Estonia - the book reviews the progress of market reforms within the wider context of social and economic transformation, surveys the development of entrepreneurship and small firms so far, and assesses the role of government in the process, and the strengths and weaknesses of the small business sector.

Entrepreneurship is a key element in the development of market based economies and one of the potential drivers of change in countries that are in the process of transformation to market based systems. This book describes and critically assesses the nature and extent of female entrepreneurship in European economies that until 1990 were operating under central planning. At the core of the book are 7 country based chapters which provide an overview of the development of entrepreneurship and small firms since 1990, including a review of the institutional and policy context; an assessment of the role of women within the society during the socialist period; and any major changes afterwards. Each chapter also includes a thematic section (each one addressing a different issue) based on unique empirical data drawn from original research.

This insightful book presents leading-edge European research on entrepreneurial processes in a changing global world. The contributors take a closer look at what constitutes entrepreneurial processes; how entrepreneurs develop their businesses and access critical resources in times of crisis; and which roles knowledge and innovation play in continuous venture development. The chapters included in this volume give a flavor of the themes and approaches featuring in contemporary entrepreneurship and small business research in Europe. Entrepreneurial Processes in a Changing Economy will prove invaluable for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students of entrepreneurship and small business. Entrepreneurship and small business researchers as well as policy makers will also find plenty of relevant information in this important resource. Contributors: O. Belousova, M. Brand, A. Campos, T.H. Clausen, E. Croonen, B. Gailly, P.M. Garcia-Villaverde, D. Helleboogh, E. Hormiga, E. Laveren, R. Leenders, N. Lybaert, C. O'Gorman, G. Parra-Requena, E. Rasmussen, M.J. Ruiz-Ortega, V. Schutjens, B. Sleutjes, D. Smallbone, A. Van Gils, F. Van Oort, F. Welter, M. Wright

`The papers in this volume showcase the depth and richness of contemporary European research. The contributions offer invaluable insights on diverse facets of entrepreneurship including entrepreneurial universities as catalysts of innovation and regional development, perspectives on small firm internationalization and strategic alliances. This compelling collection is essential reading for all those who wish to stay updated on leading research findings and the methodological diversity that is a hallmark of European research. Very worthwhile policy-relevant angles are an added bonus.' - Anne de Bruin, Massey University, New Zealand `The present volume with its fourteen contributions by authors from eleven different European countries gives a perfect overview of what theory and practice of entrepreneurship in Europe is all about. Entrepreneurship is often cited as a powerful instrument to help economies recover after the banking crisis. The fourteen contributions provide valuable material to show that entrepreneurship is indeed a much needed instrument and how policymakers and others can make use of it. Also, the impact and the pervasiveness of the entrepreneurial instrument are thoroughly illustrated.' - A. Roy Thurik, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands This timely book provides a fresh perspective on contemporary research in the field of entrepreneurship and small business, considering both theory and application. Drawing together leading-edge European research, the expert contributors apply a variety of research methods to a number of specific issues - including the entrepreneurial climate at universities, the role of knowledge and experience in the internationalization of knowledge-intensive firms, the links between entrepreneurial orientation and performance in micro-sized firms, and organizational entrepreneurship. In so doing, the book sheds new light on the key role played by entrepreneurship as an engine for regional development. With a unique set of insights linking theory and practice, this book will appeal to postgraduate and advanced students of entrepreneurship and small business, researchers and policy-makers.

This book provides an invaluable, state-of-the-art overview of current European research in the field of entrepreneurship. It focuses on four themes, each of which illustrates a key dimension in the overall theme: * entrepreneurs and their role in entrepreneurship * entrepreneurship in family businesses * performance of new ventures and * entrepreneurial processes. Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Growth and Performance is written from various perspectives by eminent academics with different methodological approaches. It is an invaluable resource for researchers, scholars and students as well as consultants and policymakers with an interest in entrepreneurship and small businesses.

This state-of-the-art book provides a window on contemporary European entrepreneurship and small business research. The papers selected demonstrate the applied nature of entrepreneurship research as well as the various contributions that entrepreneurship can make to local, regional and national development. Written by international experts, the book reveals the heterogeneity of entrepreneurship in terms of substantive content and the methodologies employed. With both quantitative and qualitative approaches well represented, Entrepreneurship and Growth in Local, Regional and National Economies covers topics such as regional perspectives on entrepreneurship, new venture creation and growth, business exits, knowledge-based entrepreneurship and social inclusion. Furnishing the reader with rich and leading entrepreneurship research, this book will be invaluable for entrepreneurship and small business researchers as well as postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students of entrepreneurship. Policy makers will also find much of great interest to them.