This timely book presents contemporary research on the key role of entrepreneurship in firm growth and development strategies. The contributors reveal that a high level of entrepreneurial activity contributes to economic growth, innovative activities, competition, job creation and local development. The contents of the book, although varied in terms of the topics covered and research methods used, demonstrate the role of entrepreneurship in relation to growth and economic development in a variety of different contexts. Drawing together leading-edge European research, the expert contributors analyze a number of different issues, such as whether firm growth and performance are different concepts in entrepreneurship studies, growth strategies of IT firms, the start-up funding process, cross-border cooperation between enterprises and SME competitiveness. Entrepreneurship, Growth and Economic Development will appeal to researchers and students of entrepreneurship and small business. Policy makers will also find this book a source of inspiration. Contributors: K. Balaton, K. Becker, M. Brannback, A. Carsrud, T.M. Cooney, H. Crijns, A. Fayolle, D. Finn, V. Gupta, T. Hogan, L. Hortovanyi, E. Hutson, K. Ikeuchi, N. Kiviluoto, F. Kronthaler, J. Lepoutre, C. O Gorman, H. Okamuro, M. Raposo, D. Smallbone, C. Streb, L. Szerb, O. Tilleuil, J. Ulbert, W. Van den Berghe, K. Wagner, F. Welter, O. Witmeur, M. Xheneti
