Introduction to A Research Agenda for Entrepreneurship Policy: Why we need a different research agenda on entrepreneurship policy

Abstract

This chapter discusses why we need a changed research agenda on entrepreneurship policy. In recent years there has been a remarkable growth of interest in entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development from policy makers, practitioners and academics. However, too frequently still, governments focus narrowly on supporting start-ups and SMEs and neglect the impact that other policy areas will have on entrepreneurship in general. This chapter argues for a broad view on what constitutes policy, putting forward that entrepreneurship policy needs to be contextualised and is not easily transferable between countries or regions. The chapter finishes with introducing themes for a future research agenda on entrepreneurship policies.