For too long, researchers have regarded local dynamism as the result of the actions of certain entrepreneurs. If this were the case, how could we explain the simultaneous presence of 'winning', stagnating or declining areas with very similar socioeconomic profiles within the same region? Departing from this restrictive and somewhat inadequate approach, Pierre-Andre Jullen considers entrepreneurship as a collective behaviour specifically related to the dynamism of the milieu in which it develops.
The author introduces a complex, innovative theory of local entrepreneurship, demonstrating that the emergence of new ventures and the development of existing enterprises cannot be understood without taking into account certain factors: locale, social capital, networking and entrepreneurial culture within a given area are all crucial to entrepreneurial growth. Expanding upon this theory, the book demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be fostered in order to support collective development. Various forms of partnership among socioeconomic actors are then analysed to highlight the social conventions and entrepreneurial culture that connect and intensify the energies at the root of local dynamism.
This highly original book represents a departure from entrepreneurship literature that is largely limited to the study of entrepreneurs' behaviour. Its dynamic presentation of holistic theory will prove an extremely absorbing read for those with an academic or professional interest in business and management, entrepreneurship and regional development.
Pt. I Context: The Knowledge Economy and Different Dynamics
1. The knowledge economy: uncertainty, ambiguity and potential.
2. Differentiated entrepreneurship: regional and local disparities.
Pt. II The Main Actors: Entrepreneurs, Organizations and Milieux - Their Capacity to Develop Knowledge
3. Entrepreneurs.
4. The learning organization: information-gathering strategies used by small businesses.
5. The entrepreneurial milieu: the key to creating a distinct local identity.
Pt. III The Factors: Information, Networks and Innovation - Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Entrepreneurship
6. Information: the first necessary condition for reducing uncertainty and ambiguity.
7. Networks: a second necessary condition - the sharing of information leading to innovation.
8. Innovation: a sufficient condition.
Pt. IV The Functioning of Local Entrepreneurship: Dynamism Through Contagion
9. Intelligence networking: developing a dynamic regional fabric.
10. Entrepreneurial contagion and knowledge acquisition.
11. Conclusion: towards a new theory of entrepreneurship.
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