Research Trends in Entrepreneurship and Small Business in India: Directions and Prospects

Abstract

One of the most promising research fields in management in the last one decade has been entrepreneurship. The enthusiasm has been matched in the academic world, resulting in a significant increase in the amount of research efforts being devoted to the subject. This increased attention can be justified for approval of creation of employment opportunities for developed as well as developing nations. Entrepreneurship research has surfaced in the areas of history. Cultural anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, education, and mass communication. During this period, researchers have attempted to develop a typology of entrepreneurship and small business which has given a shape to the research framework. Right from theory building the entrepreneurship has been extended to many facets of the subject. Attempts have been made to further the research activity in the areas of small business too, which is a gateway to allow entrepreneurship to blossom. Hence, research in both the fields may pave the way to have a better understanding of entrepreneurship in a right perspective. Indeed, many of the researchers who have found a niche in entrepreneurship research have a strong interest in small business research. The present paper attempts to analyse the research trends in entrepreneurship and small business which should focus upon the objective of the study.