| 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. |