A History of Entrepreneurship (Routledge Studies in the History of Economics)

This book 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. It focuses on the nature and role of the entrepreneur, and of entrepreneurship, as revealed in economic literature as early as the eighteenth century, when Richard Cantillon first coined the term 'entrepreneur'. The authors then trace how Joseph Schumpeter's perspective, among other’s, on entrepreneurship came to dominate the world's understanding of the term. Due to Schumpeter’s dominant influence, entrepreneurship has come to occupy a primary role in the theory of economic development. In this book Hébert and Link discuss various key topics including the German Tradition, the Austrian and the English School of thought as well as individuals such as Alfred Marshall and Jeremy Bentham. The historical survey also illustrates the tension that often exists between "theory" and "practice" and how it has been difficult for economic theory to assimilate a core concept that plays a vital role in social and economic change. Finally, the book exposes the many different facets of entrepreneurship as they have been perceived by some of the great economists throughout the ages. 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. In this book, a chronological history of entrepreneurship is presented and analysed by examining the treatment of the subject throughout the history of economic thought, illustrating the tension that often exists between theory and practice. In this work, a chronological history of entrepreneurship is presented and analysed by examining the treatment of the subject throughout the history of economic thought, illustrating the tension that often exists between theory and practice