Significance of the Topic

Entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon, although its nature, extent and contribution to economic development, varies according to the context in which it occurs. However, most of the conceptual development in the field of entrepreneurship has occurred in, or assumed, mature market conditions. Although there is a growing literature on entrepreneurship in emerging market economies, much of it pays insufficient attention to contextual influences which limits its contribution to mainstream entrepreneurship theories. Alongside this, recognition of the importance of context is also often missing from the policy orientated literature, which is important if inappropriate policy transfer is to be avoided.

Scope

In focusing on emerging market economies, we include former Soviet republics; Central and Eastern European countries that are now part of the EU; economies in the Western Balkans; developing countries around the world, and countries such as Vietnam and China, where entrepreneurship has exploded in recent years. Papers should explicitly recognize the role of context. Policy oriented contributions are also welcome, particularly those which take a critical stance to policy transfer. The aim is to encourage new perspectives on the role of entrepreneurship and its contribution to economic and social development in emerging market economies. Both conceptual and empirical papers are welcome. We are particularly interested in the following issues:

• Balance between state and private capital in supporting entrepreneurial activity
• The potential role of social enterprise in emerging market economies
• Addressing the challenge of institutional change
• Does entrepreneurship really reduce poverty in emerging market economies? If so under what conditions?
• The impact of corruption, and other institutional deficiencies on entrepreneurship
   

Timescale

• October 31, 2011: Closing date for abstracts
• December 2011: decisions on abstracts notified to authors and papers conference
• May 1, 2012: Receipt of papers
• June 30, 2012: Feedback of reviewers and initial selection of papers notified to authors
• September 1, 2012: deadline for receipt of revised papers
• October 1, 2012: deadline for receipt of 2nd reviews where necessary
• November 1, 2012: deadline for receipt of final papers from authors
• December 31, 2012:  Manuscripts submitted to Rob Blackburn , Editor ISBJ
• Anticipated date for publication: Late 2013/early 2014

Contact:

Abstracts should be sent to Professor David Smallbone (d.smallbone@kingston.ac.uk); and copied to Professor Friederike Welter (Friederike.Welter@jibs.hj.se) and Dr Jovo Atelevic ([jovo.ateljevic@googlemail.com).