Edward Elgar Publishing The Cutting Edge: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in New Europe

This original selection of case studies from eight new EU member countries looks at the ability of entrepreneurs to develop innovative and successful firms in an environment of turbulent social and economic change. The Cutting Edge focuses on the innovative potential that these transition country environments provide and how entrepreneurs have been able to convert these possibilities into successful businesses. The contributors highlight specific aspects of the interplay between the institutional setting and the environment. They also elucidate the individual characteristics of the entrepreneur that create an enabling context for innovative behaviour to develop and grow, drawing attention to the opportunities and constraints offered in each environment. This book provides invaluable insights for academics and researchers of entrepreneurship as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students of international business and entrepreneurship. It will also provide a stimulating and important read for people conducting business in Europe. Review ‘I enjoyed reading this book, which draws together a selection of case studies in entrepreneurship and innovation from eight new EU member countries that are still in the process of turbulent social and economic change. . . Each case is fascinating reading and in many of the studies the vibrant nature of the entrepreneurial change-driver shines through. . . the book is aimed at “academics and researchers of entrepreneurship as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students of international business and entrepreneurship”, as well as practitioners carrying out business in the transition economies. I would agree with that, the case studies do bring out the exciting and challenging nature of what has been, and can be achieved. . . there is much sound material here to stimulate both insight, and detailed classroom discussions. I would certainly recommend the book for a library purchase. . . it may well be a very useful purchase for researchers and students of the selected case countries.’ -- Lorraine Warren, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research ‘This volume offers insights into ways entrepreneurs innovate and adapt to political-economic structural changes. Detailed case studies illustrate how the adoption of new technology, creation of hybrid social and economic mission ventures and strategic re-orientation led to success in these transition economies. The stories of how these teams pooled resources, persevered and devised new approaches to innovation by creating something new or internationalizing gives us a sense of the new entrepreneurial approaches needed to succeed in this region. Given there were few role models and road maps, these entrepreneurs had to learn by doing. Their stories are inspirational and provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurial success in the wake of turbulent political-economic restructuring.’ -- Candida G. Brush, Babson College, US About the Author Edited by Ruta Aidis, Honorary Senior Researcher, University College London, UK and Friederike Welter, President and Managing Director, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn and Professor, University of Siegen, Germany