We are currently developing an ambitious research program that covers a wide range of topics.
Careers in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is a path that many individuals consider at some point in their lives. While some never take the plunge, others dive in, and some even venture into entrepreneurship multiple times. But new ventures face a high rate of failure. This research explores:
- The motivations and constraints that influence the decision to pursue entrepreneurship.
- The specific skills entrepreneurs need for high-performing ventures, and the circumstances in which these skills are most valuable.
- How early-life schooling, work experiences, and family dynamics impact entrepreneurial choices, firm performance, and individual earnings.
Entrepreneurial Teams
Entrepreneurs rarely work alone. They collaborate with partners, co-founders, and hire employees. This line of research investigates how the skills of various members within entrepreneurial teams combine to drive performance and success.
Immigrant Entrepreneurship
With increasing global immigration, the role of immigrants in entrepreneurship has become a hot topic in many societies. Immigrants have been shown to be more likely than natives to engage in entrepreneurship. This research investigates the underlying motivations for immigrants to pursue entrepreneurship, as well as the legal and cultural constraints they face in doing so.
Women in Entrepreneurship
As women continue to make significant strides in education and labor force participation, their engagement in entrepreneurship has been steadily increasing. However, across more developed nations, women remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial ventures. This research delves into the cultural norms, societal expectations, and institutional factors that impact women’s engagement in entrepreneurship, both within and across countries.
Innovation by Start-ups in Digital Markets
Speed to market is critical in many markets, with firms striving to launch products quickly. However, this often means sacrificing perfection in the initial launch. In digital markets, this speed is even greater, however updates and improvements can be made after the product is released. This research investigates when and how entrepreneurial firms in digital markets innovate and continuously update their products to meet consumer needs and address initial flaws.
Bringing User Innovations to the Market
In several industries, significant innovations emerge from users rather than established companies. User innovators often seek to disseminate their innovations by establishing firms to bring these to market. This research focuses on health-related innovations, exploring the challenges patient innovators face in trying to bring their innovations to the market.
Institutional Support for Entrepreneurship
Many governments provide subsidies and create institutions aimed at supporting entrepreneurial ventures. This research explores the effectiveness of these efforts and identifies the conditions under which these interventions are most likely to help the development of high-performing firms.