The authors present an historical perspective on the development of empirical research into entrepreneurship.

The fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and regional development are inextricably linked, with people, organisations and the environment or their location, forming the main building blocks in an integrated model of value creation. This second edition of a key textbook draws on the diversity of approaches in these areas to produce a unified understanding of this important subject and its sub-sets. The author connects theory and practice using references to academic studies as well as industry sources. The importance of technology is highlighted throughout to demonstrate the value of new technology-based ventures and the role of technology for innovation in both organisational and spatial contexts. The economic and social contexts of entrepreneurship are covered in dedicated chapters offering an appreciation of multiple perspectives on key themes of growth and development. Drawing on insights and concepts from a wide range of disciplines such as business, sociology, economics, geography and management, this unique textbook introduces entrepreneurship to students from different backgrounds and varied interests. With a range of new case studies and coverage of emerging themes such as smart cities, ecosystems, female entrepreneurship and social and human capital, this book provides an expert exposition of the elaborate empire of entrepreneurship.

Traces the development of Sweden from a poor, backward, warrior nation to a prosperous modern one.

This eagerly-awaited sequel shares the characteristics of its distinguished predecessor -- wide geographical and chronological span; expert mingling of political, social and economic history; and Dr Kirby's ability to keep the separate national threads of his account from tangling as he weaves them into the broad regional picture that is his main concern. Here he tackles the contrasting experiences of Europe's northern periphery -- affluence and democracy in the north, stagnation and authoritarianism in the south -- from the French Revolution to the collapse of the USSR and beyond. This is a masterly study of a region that is far from peripheral politically to the post-Soviet world.

'This well-edited volume should be on the shelf of every regional development agency library. Its seventeen chapters written by 31 predominantly academic contributors are divided into four coherent sections: the first on cluster and network modelling, the next on empirical analysis, a third on case studies, finishing with two chapters on policy analysis and strategies.' - Tony Jackson, Journal of Economic Development This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of spatial industrial clusters and inter-firm networks. Given the prevailing political belief that clusters can be a major vehicle for economic development and growth, it is important to have a sound understanding of clusters and how they emerge, grow, eventually stagnate and disappear. It is also vital to know when and how to apply policy measures to support cluster development in order to increase economic welfare. This book illuminates both the theoretical and empirical issues relating to clusters and inter-firm networks, and presents a number of interesting case studies from a variety of different countries.