Enterprise and Small Business Principles

Technical entrepreneurship

Sarah Cooper

13.1 Introduction

This chapter explores some current issues in the field of technical entrepreneurship. Contrasting research approaches are discussed and issues that impact upon the entre­preneurial process are examined, focusing specifically on the key or lead entrepreneur. In concluding, a number of areas are identified that may be of relevance to policy makers wishing to encourage increased levels of entrepreneurship in order to benefit local, regional and national economic development.

13.2 Learning objectives

There are five learning objectives in this chapter:

1 To examine the growth in interest in technical entrepreneurship over the past 35 years.

2 To identify characteristics of entrepreneurs in high-technology sectors.

3 To highlight possible differences between entrepreneurs in contrasting technology - based sectors.

4 To identify aspects of technology-based industries that pose specific challenges for technical entrepreneurs.

5 To examine the role of the technical entrepreneur in economic development.

Key concepts

■ technical entrepreneurship ■ typology of technical entrepreneurs

■ cluster/agglomeration development ■ management experience