| In this book I will provide a historical-doctrinal review of the
development of entrepreneurship and small business research as well as
presenting some of the researchers who created and shaped the field –
the pioneers of entrepreneurship and small business research. Such an
undertaking is always associated with risk. Many people have their own
“images” of history, and history can be depicted from many different
perspectives as well as focusing on various aspects. I therefore wish to
stress that this is my own subjective description of history, where I have
chosen to focus on the individuals and events that, in my view, have
been important in the shaping of the research field. There is also a risk
that some readers will use a book such as this as an easy route to the core
works of the research field. This book is not intended as a substitute for
in-depth study of the original works, but instead I hope that it will
stimulate such reading – a challenge that is both fascinating and highly
recommended. My motivation for writing this book, despite the risks
involved, is that entrepreneurship is a young and quickly growing
research field and I believe it is beneficial to stop now and again to
reflect on the knowledge acquired through research in order to establish
a basis for further development. |
