The role of small business enterprise in a mature market economy is one of the major issues in contemporary industrial organization, and is the focus of this book. Small Business Enterprise brings new standards of rigour and insight into the study of small firms by importing contemporary ideas from industrial economics and by using up-to-date statistical and econometric techniques. Based on a uniquely rich set of data, Small Business Enterprise focuses on the early period after start-up of the small firm. It investigates competitive niches and how they are established, determinants of growth and profitability, the factors fostering survivial, and many other central issues. This core of economic analysis is complemented by an innovative case profile approach, which considers the real behaviour of small firms in a competitive environment; and a section on the political economy of small firms, which looks at the ethics of competition and the enterprise culture.
Biography
Gavin C. Reid
`The book is rich in ideas and insight, and will be useful for reference. ... is accessible and lucidly written, ... Any economist with a shelf of books on small firms has to add this one.' - The Business Economist Vol 25 No 1 93
`... a book combining empirical research, economic analysis and theory for SMEs is very welcome. And for a book of this quality, it is an event.' - Graham Bannock, Economic Affairs
`With the publication of this book and the bold research agenda he proposes Reid single handedly moved the entire field of small business economics forward towards maturity.' - David B. Audretsh, Kyklos
`Professor Reid is almost religious in his drive to persuade researchers to gather primary data, and devise estimation techniques to advance the frontiers of small business economics. With this I can hardly quibble. To my knowledge this is the finest work of its kind. It fills an important niche in our understanding of small firms, and the effort has to be judged a success.' - The Journal of Economic Literature
