ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the contribution of entrepreneurship to the economy and to society, and leads to a discussion on the need for and benefits of, supportive, structured interventions. The growth of the small firms sector is also discussed, and some of the reasons behind this growth is examined. The book presents the economic debate surrounding intervention in the development of new business creation, and considers the various arguments both for and against structured interventions. It discusses the theoretical foundation for the empirical work by reviewing the origins of the field in an attempt to clarify the reader's understanding of the process of entrepreneurship. The book highlights the key considerations for designers, providers and funders of entrepreneurship training programmes, and offers some practical suggestions to improve programme effectiveness.
