Handbook of Research on European Business and Entrepreneurship: Towards a Theory of Internationalization (Research Handbooks in Business and Management series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849800812 ISBN 13: 9781849800815

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010

Synopsis

'From Andorra to Wales with stops in more than 35 other European countries along the way, this comprehensive collection of articles is required reading for scholars interested in international entrepreneurship. It provides information on how entrepreneurs and their firms go international from virtually every country in Europe. This unique volume permits researchers to compare how the process of entrepreneurial internationalization is affected by differences in culture, location, technology, and other influences within Europe. Furthermore, the various authors consider a range of theoretically important issues, such as cooperation and trust, venture capital, research and development, learning, networks, and government policy. This book serves as an essential departure point from which scholars can embark on their study of international entrepreneurship in Europe.'
- Benjamin M. Oviatt, Georgia State University, US

'This is a timely and interesting book that brings together some of the most insightful contributions on the internationalization of new ventures, with an emphasis on the European experiences. Assembling some of the best scholars, the book offers a distinctively European perspective - one that deserves recognition, analysis, and discussion. I applaud the editors for doing such a masterful job in bringing a great group of researchers and ideas together. I highly recommend this book for any serious researcher and scholar.'
- Shaker A. Zahra, University of Minnesota, US

'This remarkable book provides valuable contributions on how the process of SMEs' internationalization is operating in 37 different European countries. Researchers in international entrepreneurship will find new materials for theorization. Numerous facets of international business are carefully documented by a great many well-known scholars. Also, given the variety of situations typical of the European small business sector, the book may prove to be helpful to small-scale entrepreneurs wishing to take steps towards internationalization. Overall, this coordinate work makes you realize why Europe is so fascinating.'
- Jean-Jacques Obrecht, University Robert Schuman, Strasbourg, France

`This unique comparative study of the internationalization of small firms is a milestone in international business research. It compares the internationalization strategies of fast-growing firms across nearly forty different European countries. It shows that the growth trajectories of firms reflect the investing country's geographical location, natural resource endowments, legal and financial institutions and local culture. There are many important new insights to be gained from a careful study of this important new research resource.'
- Mark Casson, University of Reading, UK

This unique handbook illustrates how entrepreneurs across Europe tackle internationalization. This timely and important book identifies patterns and builds a theory of international entrepreneurship in Europe.

The contributors discuss the performances of SMEs on the road to internationalization. Each chapter emphasizes how the process of internationalization of SMEs operates, the challenges and opportunities that arise due to each country's specific political and economic situation, and their subsequent internationalization performance. These processes, challenges and performances can be understood through theories of international business and entrepreneurship. Although at times these theories cannot fully explain certain phenomena, nevertheless they help to derive new extensions of thought. Together, they constitute a foundation for a new way of thinking about and understanding the importance and effect of internationalization of SMEs to country-level competitiveness in Europe.

About this title

About the Author

Edited by Leo-Paul Dana, Adjunct Professor, GSCM - Montpellier Business School, France, on study leave from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Senior Advisor to the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises and Founding Editor, Journal of International Entrepreneurship and Journal of Enterprising Communities, Isabell M. Welpe, Professor and Chair, Technische Universitat Munchen, Germany, Mary Han, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Ryerson University, Canada and Vanessa Ratten, Assistant Professor, School of Business Administration, Duquesne University, US

Review

'This book is an important contribution to the field of international entrepreneurship... it provides a comprehensive account of internationalization strategies adopted by SMEs in a wide range of European countries, and by drawing on a number of empirical studies, it enriches the theory of SME internationalization with a new theoretical framework that can be useful for understanding the complexity of SME internationalization processes in Europe.' --- Julia Korosteleva, Thunderbird International Business Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1849800812
• ISBN 13: 9781849800815
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 800
• Editor: Dana Léo-Paul, Welpe Isabell M., Han Mary, Ratten Vanessa