Around the world there is an increasing interest in issues of small business and entrepreneurship. In a time with a lot of myths and opinions of the role of entrepreneurs and small business it is vital for a book like this to encapsulate the knowledge that can be gained from the most significant research contributions in the field. Such knowledge is often build upon empirical oriented methods providing policy relevant results for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The aim of Pioneers in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research is first to provide a historical-doctrinal review of the development of entrepreneurship and small business research and, second, to present some of the key pioneers that have shaped the research field during the past three decades. The book focuses on the first recipients of the FSF-NUTEK International Award for Small Business Research including David Birch, Arnold Cooper, David Storey, Ian MacMillan, Howard Aldrich, Zoltan Acs, David Audretsch, and Giacomo Becattini.