Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Description

The book presents innovation and entrepreneurship as a practice and a discipline. It does not talk of the psychology and the character traits of entrepreneurs; it talks of their actions and behavior. It uses cases, but primarily to exemplify a point, a rule, or a warning, rather than as success stories. The work thus differs, in both intention and execution, from many of the books and articles on innovation and entrepreneurship that are being published today. It shares with them the belief in the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. Indeed, it considers the emergence of a truly entrepreneurial economy in the United States during the last ten to fifteen years the most significant and hopeful event to have occured in recent economic and social history. But whereas much of today’s discussion treats entrepreneurship as something mysterious, whether gift, talent, inspiration, or “flash of genius” this book represents innovation and entrepreneurship as purposeful task that can be organized – are in need of being organized – and as systematic work. It treats innovation and entrepreneurship, in fact as part of the executive’s job.

This is a practical book, but it is not a “how-to-do” book. Instead, it deals with the what, when, and why; with such tangibles as policies and decisions; opportunities and risks; structures and strategies; staffing, compensation, and rewards.