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Do They See What We See?: A Critical Nordic Tale About Perceptions Of Entrepreneurial Opportunities, Goals And Growth

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  • MALIN BRÄNNBACK

    (Åbo Akademi University, Department of Business Studie, Henriksgatan 7, FIN-20500 Åbo, Finland)

  • ALAN CARSRUD

    (Florida International University, The Eugenio Pino & Family Global Entrepreneurship Center, University Park, VH130, 11100 SW 11th Street, Miami FL 33199, USA)

Abstract

This paper serves as an overview of a decade of the authors' theoretical reviews, participant observations, empirical studies, quasi-experimental research, qualitative interviews, personal consulting, firm incubation, and action research with firms, clusters, and regional groups in both the information technology and biotechnology sectors in Finland. Interpretations of our findings are told using a narrative format, based on Nordic mythology. This story-telling approach is used to express the perceptions of entrepreneurship by various players in society. It discusses what happens when public policies are based on perceptions very different from, and in potential conflict, with those of the would-be entrepreneur. The paper addresses the current and very real problem in many Nordic countries where enormous efforts are invested in pushing technology creation assuming at the simultaneous creation of entrepreneurial high growth firms. Results show extremely low entrepreneurial activity and declining interest towards entrepreneurship as a career alternative. For those firms that do emerge growth does not seem to be the primary goal. The conclusions are discussed in terms of the long term prognosis for developing an entrepreneurial society in economically advanced nations to take advantage of the technological developments supported by governmental research funding.

Suggested Citation

  • Malin Brännback & Alan Carsrud, 2008. "Do They See What We See?: A Critical Nordic Tale About Perceptions Of Entrepreneurial Opportunities, Goals And Growth," Journal of Enterprising Culture (JEC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(01), pages 55-87.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jecxxx:v:16:y:2008:i:01:n:s0218495808000041
    DOI: 10.1142/S0218495808000041
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ali-Yrkkö, Jyrki & Hermans, Raine, 2002. "Nokia in the Finnish Innovation System," Discussion Papers 811, The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy.
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    Cited by:

    1. Renato Passaro & Ivana Quinto & Pierluigi Rippa & Antonio Thomas, 2020. "Evolution of Collaborative Networks Supporting Startup Sustainability: Evidences from Digital Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-20, November.
    2. Renato Passaro & Giuseppe Scandurra & Antonio Thomas, 2017. "The Emergence of Innovative Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Intention — Investigating the Participants in an Academic SUC," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(05), pages 1-22, October.

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