ABSTRACT
The research conducted on small business enterprises is expanding rapidly, but arguably this is not true of the research agenda of small business economics itself. That is to say, whilst the extent of work accomplished is growing, the framework within which it is pursued is static. In this chapter I wish to explore the potential for enlarging this research agenda. What I have to say must be regarded as very much a personal perspective, based on my own research (including the results embodied in this book) and on contact with others in the area through conferences, seminars, correspondence, refereeing, reviewing, academic visits, etc. I have divided my remarks into four parts: small firms theory; data acquisition and handling; econometric and statistical testing; and the political economy of small business.
