Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research

Around the world there is an increasing interest in issues of small business and entrepreneurship. As the field develops, so too do myths and opinions about the economic, political, and social roles of entrepreneurs and the methods by which they are studied. To help codify the field and set a research agenda for the future, this volume encapsulates the knowledge that can be gained from the most significant research contributions to date. Such knowledge is often built upon empirically-oriented methods that provide policy-relevant results for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The aim of Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research is first to provide a historical-doctrinal review of the development of entrepreneurship and small business research and, second, to present the key concepts and discuss the impact of the pioneers who have shaped the field during the past four decades. The book focuses on the first recipients of the FSF-NUTEK International Award for Small Business Research (renamed in 2008 as The Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research), including Zoltan Acs and David Audretsch, Howard Aldrich, Giacomo Becattini, David Birch, Arnold Cooper, Ian MacMillan, and David Storey. Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research establishes a context for the current state of the field, showcases influential ideas and insights, and serves as an essential resource for researchers and students alike.