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

Everyone wants their research to be read and to be relevant. This exciting new guide presents a broad range of ideas for enhancing research impact and relevance. Bringing together researchers from all stages of academic life, it offers a far-reaching discussion of strategies to optimise relevancy in the modern research environment. This book is crucial reading for advanced masters students, doctoral students and researchers in the social sciences wishing to grow the relevance of their research beyond academia. Senior researchers and educators offering doctoral courses will also benefit from its insight into the development of a generation of young researchers in the contemporary academic environment. Contributors include: T. Alfahaid, A. Aljarodi, C. Alvarez, S. Aparicio, E. Breit, A. Buhrandt, D. de Castro Leal, K. Ettl, S. Feldermann, I. Haase, J. Janisch, P. Koehn, T. Lopez, A. Loescher, A. Muller, M. Paschke, P.J. Ruf, J. Schnittker, C. Soost, D. Urbano, C. Weigel, F. Welter

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. There is growing recognition that entrepreneurship can be better understood within its context(s). This carefully designed book invites readers to take a journey: from reflecting critically on where the discussion on context and entrepreneurship stands today towards identifying future research questions and themes that deserve the attention of entrepreneurship scholars. This collection draws attention to the research challenges the entrepreneurship field faces by reviewing the many facets of contexts and by reflecting on methods and theoretical approaches that are required in order to contextualize entrepreneurship research. Written by renowned international scholars, the book's leading-edge contributions provide a thorough exploration of how to contextualize entrepreneurship research. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive coverage of the entrepreneurship/contexts debate is included, in addition to reading lists and a chapter dedicated to advancing future research avenues. Students and academics interested in context and entrepreneurship will benefit from this far-reaching and forward-thinking book. Contributors: H.E. Aldrich, T. Baker, M. Brannback, A.L. Carsrud, S. Chlosta, S. Drakopoulou Dodd, D. Fletcher, W.B. Gartner, S. Lippmann, E.E. Powell, T. Pret, E. Shaw, P. Selden, E. Stam, C. Steyaert, R.D. Wadhwani, F. Welter, M. Wright

The phenomenon of women's entrepreneurship has gained significant momentum across the globe. Written by leading scholars from a wide range of countries, this book advances the understanding of women's entrepreneurship by drawing attention to the contexts they operate in. It is the fifth in the series of books produced in partnership with the Diana International Research Network. In this book, expert contributors explore female potential and how entrepreneurs make decisions within a multi-layered gendered context. As a rare and current overview of women's entrepreneurship, it presents evidence of the positive impact that achieving equality in gendered institutions would have, how to facilitate meso-institutions' impact and how to foster entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial initiative at the individual level. A crucial discussion of how women's entrepreneurship could benefit from a more comprehensive concept of innovation or implementing entrepreneurial policies focused on women is also included. With its focus on advancing knowledge about gender issues within the business realm, Women's Entrepreneurship in Global and Local Contexts will be of interest to researchers, faculty and students as well as policy-makers and practitioners. Contributors include: R. Aidis, L. Alexandre, G. Armannsdottir, T. Bijedic, A.M. Bojica, C. Brindley, S. Brink, C.G. Brush, S. Coleman, S. Cooper, L. De Vita, M. del Mar Fuentes, C. Diaz-Garcia, K. Ettl, A. Ford, C. Foster, E.J. Gatewood, G. Gunay, B.R. Hernandez-Sanchez, E.B. Kahraman, S. Kriwoluzky, J.V. Leon, M. Mari, D. Nziku, C. Pich, S. Poggesi, A. Robb, M. Ruiz-Arroyo, J.C. Sanchez-Garcia, M. Tillmar, D. Uygur, F. Welter, D. Wheatley

The renowned group of international contributors to this volume provide analysis of where and how gender plays a role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Eleven essays examine how ecosystems influence women entrepreneurs and how women entrepreneurs influence their local ecosystems, both cross-nationally and through in-depth country studies. The studies build on rich qualitative and quantitative data from diverse contexts including the United States, Norway, India, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Chile. A special section of the book examines national and regional policies in support of growth-oriented women's entrepreneurship. The contributions highlight the significant variety of entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world and provide valuable insights for promoting growth-oriented women's entrepreneurship at the local, regional, and country level. Academic researchers in the areas of entrepreneurship, management, business strategy, economic geography, and gender studies as well as policy-makers at the regional, national, and supra-national levels will all find something valuable in this illuminating book. Contributors include: M. Akoorie, G.A. Alsos, J.E. Amoros, C.G. Brush, S. Coleman, D. Dutta, L.F. Edelman, L. Foss, P. Gabaldon, J. Gibb, D. Gimenez, U. Guelich, A.T. Hailemariam, M. Haugum, C. Henry, J.G. Hussain, L. Karsten, B. Kroon, E. Ljunggren, I.M. Lugalla, C. Lutz, V. Mandakovic, T.S. Manolova, X. Neumeyer, B. Orser, J. Poncela-Casasnovas, A. Robb, N. Sandhu, S.C. Santos, J.M. Scott, C. Seierstad, P. Sinha, M. van Veldhoven, F. Welter, S.R. Xavier, R.I. Yavuz

This volume addresses the current challenges for and future prospects of women's entrepreneurship research, bringing together a wealth of diverse insights with implications for research, education and practice alike. Presenting theoretical and empirical research papers and case studies, the book not only offers a topical reference guide for entrepreneurship researchers and educators, but also provides essential reading material for students interested in questions addressing diverse aspects of the challenges to and future academic and practical prospects of women's entrepreneurship.

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. There is growing recognition that entrepreneurship can be better understood within its context(s). This carefully designed book invites readers to take a journey: from reflecting critically on where the discussion on context and entrepreneurship stands today towards identifying future research questions and themes that deserve the attention of entrepreneurship scholars. This collection draws attention to the research challenges the entrepreneurship field faces by reviewing the many facets of contexts and by reflecting on methods and theoretical approaches that are required in order to contextualize entrepreneurship research. Written by renowned international scholars, the book's leading-edge contributions provide a thorough exploration of how to contextualize entrepreneurship research. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive coverage of the entrepreneurship/contexts debate is included, in addition to reading lists and a chapter dedicated to advancing future research avenues. Students and academics interested in context and entrepreneurship will benefit from this far-reaching and forward-thinking book. Contributors: H.E. Aldrich, T. Baker, M. Brannback, A.L. Carsrud, S. Chlosta, S. Drakopoulou Dodd, D. Fletcher, W.B. Gartner, S. Lippmann, E.E. Powell, T. Pret, E. Shaw, P. Selden, E. Stam, C. Steyaert, R.D. Wadhwani, F. Welter, M. Wright

The agriculture sector around the world has experienced profound changes in recent years. This unique and path-breaking Handbook draws together the best current research in the area of entrepreneurship in agriculture, food production and rural development.Agriculture policy reforms have impacted farm incomes, while demand side changes have required the development of sophisticated market driven strategies. Farmers have demonstrated uneven abilities to adapt and adjust to these ongoing changes. The ability and propensity of farmers to engage in entrepreneurial behaviors is a key explanation of the different patterns of responses within the sector. This book examines these issues through three main themes. The first theme focuses on the firm and the individual entrepreneurs, exploring entrepreneurship within the farm sector. The second takes a sector and industry perspective, exploring new developments in food production and distribution systems. The third theme explores the inter-relationship between agricultural entrepreneurship and its spatial context. Contributions are drawn from international research settings (Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, North America, Australasia) and offer an interdisciplinary approach to the subject.This astute Handbook, which will challenge and enrich the current literature, will appeal to academics in entrepreneurship, small business studies, agriculture, rural studies, rural sociology and agricultural economics, as well as food industry economists, policymakers and all those interested in supporting agricultural and rural businesses.

The role of resources is pivotal in entrepreneurship for the success of new and small ventures, though most face resource constraints. The book offers multiple perspectives on analyzing and understanding the importance of resources in entrepreneurship development. Approaching the subject with both a practice-theory and research-based approach, the contributors analyse topics such as processes and structures in social entrepreneuring; entrepreneurship and equity in crowdfunding; and forming alliances with large firms to overcome resource constraints. The contributors provide evidence, for example, on how business angels can contribute more than finance to small ventures and how the flexibility of resources is important in internationalisation. Students and scholars of entrepreneurship, business and management, and other related subjects will find this book to be of interest. It will also be of use to practitioners in the field looking for practical advice. Contributors include: J. Alpenberg, R. Blackburn, Y. Chu, P. Eriksson, D. Fletcher, B. Giordano, S. Horner, T. Huynh, U. Hytti, S. Joensuu-Salo, B. Johannisson, P. Karhunen, O.-M. Nevalainen, I. Olimpieva, K. Salamonsen, H. Sapienza, P. Strandberg, E. Varamaki, A. Viljamaa, F. Welter

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 volume demonstrates the dynamism and diversity of entrepreneurship as it is practised by men and women across a variety of contexts, and also the vibrancy and relevance of the entrepreneurship research field as it attempts to understand and communicate this widespread social and economic phenomenon.' - Sara Carter, Strathclyde Business School, UK'This book showcases thought-provoking studies that reflect what European entrepreneurship scholarship has successfully pioneered: penetrating analyses of often taken-for-granted assumptions about the nature of entrepreneurship. These chapters direct readers to where entrepreneurship scholarship will likely go in the future, particularly in using 'gendered' perspectives to realize the heterogeneity of entrepreneurial activity in various contexts.' - William B. Gartner, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and California Lutheran University, US By combining high-quality and in-depth research in the field, this book provides a state-of-the-art analysis of the current topical issues in European entrepreneurship and small business research. With contributions from international experts, the book provides a particular focus on the behaviour between individuals and groups within different contexts; the personal and structural factors that shape entrepreneurial and small business activity; and a focus on gender in entrepreneurship within different contexts. Students and academics interested in gender and entrepreneurship will benefit from this far-reaching book. The contextual and practical approach will also be of use to national and regional policy makers. Contributors: S. Aaltonen, R. Blackburn, J. Byrne, A. Chepurenko, O. Duygulu, S. Fattoum, C.I. Goegus, M. Guerrero, J. Hermes, U. Hytti, T. Mainela, S. Marlow, J. Mitra, OE. OErge, S. Tegtmeier, D. Urbano, F. Welter

Everyone wants their research to be read and to be relevant. This exciting new guide presents a broad range of ideas for enhancing research impact and relevance. Bringing together researchers from all stages of academic life, it offers a far-reaching discussion of strategies to optimise relevancy in the modern research environment. This book is crucial reading for advanced masters students, doctoral students and researchers in the social sciences wishing to grow the relevance of their research beyond academia. Senior researchers and educators offering doctoral courses will also benefit from its insight into the development of a generation of young researchers in the contemporary academic environment. Contributors include: T. Alfahaid, A. Aljarodi, C. Alvarez, S. Aparicio, E. Breit, A. Buhrandt, D. de Castro Leal, K. Ettl, S. Feldermann, I. Haase, J. Janisch, P. Koehn, T. Lopez, A. Loescher, A. Muller, M. Paschke, P.J. Ruf, J. Schnittker, C. Soost, D. Urbano, C. Weigel, F. Welter

As the breadth and empirical diversity of entrepreneurship research have increased rapidly during the last decade, the quest to find a "one-size-fits-all" general theory of entrepreneurship has given way to a growing appreciation for the importance of contexts. This promises to improve both the practical relevance and the theoretical rigor of research in this field. Entrepreneurship means different things to different people at different times and in different places and both its causes and its consequences likewise vary. For example, for some people entrepreneurship can be a glorious path to emancipation, while for others it can represent the yoke tethering them to the burdens of overwork and drudgery. For some communities it can drive renaissance and vibrancy while for others it allows only bare survival. In this book, we assess and attempt to push forward contemporary conceptualizations of contexts that matter for entrepreneurship, pointing in particular to opportunities generating new insights by attending to contexts in novel or underexplored ways. This book shows that the ongoing contextualization of entrepreneurship research should not simply generate a proliferation of unique theories - one for every context - but can instead result in better theory construction, testing and understanding of boundary conditions, thereby leading us to richer and more profound understanding of entrepreneurship across its many forms. Contextualizing Entrepreneurship Theory will critically review the current debate and existing literature on contexts and entrepreneurship and use this to synthesize new theoretical and methodological frameworks that point to important directions for future research.

Entrepreneurial Business and Society summarizes contemporary research in the field of entrepreneurship and small business and explores the interplay between the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial firm and society.The contributors highlight that entrepreneurship may also contribute to social change and that welfare and success could be measured in terms of their effect on society. Topics explored throughout the volume are the promotion of entrepreneurial businesses, entrepreneurial people and entrepreneurial sectors. The book 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: B.W. Amo, F. Bertoni, M. Bianchi, R. Blackburn, M. Brettel, D. Chiaroni, J. Collis, A. Croce, P. Eckerle, F. Frattini, J. Grande, M. Guerini, J. Heinonen, L. Hurmerinta, U. Hytti, E. Ka perova, J. Kitching, E. Ljunggren, R. Mauer, T. Minola, OE. OErge, E. Paavilainen-Mantymaki, R.K. Pati, E. Vuorinen, F. Welter, S.A. Zahra, L. Zhao

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

Research in entrepreneurship has been booming, with perspectives from a range of disciplines and numerous developing schools of thought. It can be difficult for young scholars and even long-time researchers to find their way through the lush garden of ideas we see before us. The purpose of this book is to map the research terrain of entrepreneurship, providing the perfect starting point for new and existing researchers looking to explore. Topics covered range from emerging perspective, through issues at the core of the field to innovative methodologies. Starting off with a preface by Bill Gartner, each section of the book brings together a world class set of established leading researchers and rising stars. This considered, comprehensive and conclusive companion integrates the recent debates in entrepreneurship research under one cover, to provide a resource which will be useful across disciplinary boundaries and for a whole range of students and researchers.

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 identifies Friederike Welter's key contribution to entrepreneurship research over recent decades, and shows how her work is contextualised in time and place. The book gives a differentiated understanding of entrepreneurship and contexts, celebrating diversity as well as complexity. The author discusses temporal and spatial contexts and the role of gender for contextualising entrepreneurship, drawing attention to the interplay between history, place, gender alongside the context of researchers and entrepreneurs. Diversity is also highlighted through this contextual approach. This book offers a valuable collection of articles that provide entrepreneurship scholars with a sound basis for further research on entrepreneurship and context. Essential for those interested in exploring the foundations of the entrepreneurship and context theme, Friederike Welter's set of articles highlight the development of this debate. This will be an ideal read for all entrepreneurship scholars and students looking for an accessible review of the topic.

Research in entrepreneurship has been booming, with perspectives from a range of disciplines and numerous developing schools of thought. It can be difficult for young scholars and even long-time researchers to find their way through the lush garden of ideas we see before us. The purpose of this book is to map the research terrain of entrepreneurship, providing the perfect starting point for new and existing researchers looking to explore. Topics covered range from emerging perspective, through issues at the core of the field to innovative methodologies. Starting off with a preface by Bill Gartner, each section of the book brings together a world class set of established leading researchers and rising stars. This considered, comprehensive and conclusive companion integrates the recent debates in entrepreneurship research under one cover, to provide a resource which will be useful across disciplinary boundaries and for a whole range of students and researchers.

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.

In this innovative book, international scholars investigate trust and its role in relation to the entrepreneurial behaviour of small firms across a variety of institutional and cultural settings. The contributors draw on original empirical material from a number of West European and East European countries, highlighting the role of culture and the significance of a multi-disciplinary approach in researching trust and its importance in entrepreneurship. Including detailed comparative studies, the book will appeal to researchers, students and practitioners interested in trust within and between small firms and in different environments. Those interested in issues surrounding the development of post-socialist economies will also find the book to be of great interest.

This volume addresses the current challenges for and future prospects of women's entrepreneurship research, bringing together a wealth of diverse insights with implications for research, education and practice alike. Presenting theoretical and empirical research papers and case studies, the book not only offers a topical reference guide for entrepreneurship researchers and educators, but also provides essential reading material for students interested in questions addressing diverse aspects of the challenges to and future academic and practical prospects of women's entrepreneurship.

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