Historical Perspectives on the Entrepreneur
149 Pages Posted: 21 Jun 2010
Date Written: June 21, 2010
Abstract
This survey establishes a chronological trace of the entrepreneur as treated in economic literature in order to give a more wholesome perspective to contemporary writings and teachings on entrepreneurship. The authors review the historical nature and role of the entrepreneur as revealed in economic literature from the 18th century to the present. This survey shows the ambiguous nature of a concept that, due to Schumpeter’s dominant influence, has come to occupy a primary role in the theory of economic development. In addition, there are other conceptions of entrepreneurship presented besides Schumpeter’s. This historical survey also illustrates the tension that often exists between “theory” and “practice.” We shall learn that it has been difficult for economic theory to assimilate a core concept that plays a vital role in social and economic change. Finally, the authors expose the many different facets of entrepreneurship as they have been perceived by some of the great economists throughout the ages.
Contents: Introduction; The Prehistory of Entrepreneurship; Early French Contributions; The English School of Thought; The German Tradition; Early Neoclassical Perspectives; The View from America; Joseph Schumpeter; Beyond Schumpeter; The Entrepreneur and the Firm; Conclusion; References
Keywords: entrepreneurship, Schumpeterian economics
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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