Research
Four ground breaking new research projects have been given the green light courtesy of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Research and Knowledge Exchange fund. Now in its second year, the 2010 round of funding responded to the challenges posed by contemporary economic conditions with a focus on the importance of entrepreneurship to regeneration and renewed economic growth. As such the RAKE Board looked to support projects which explore the potential for entrepreneurial activity within this climate.
The RAKE Fund, sponsored by Barclays, Economic and Social Research Council and National Council Graduate Entrepreneurship, was created with the aim of assisting the exploration of issues, challenges and opportunities surrounding entrepreneurial activities and small firm performance and to encourage and promote cutting-edge research which is relevant to both the development of policy and practice.
Launched in 2009 to a phenomenal response, the RAKE Fund 2010 call for bids attracted an even greater number of applicants. The exceptionally high quality of the applications meant competition was fierce and after a rigorous selection process the announcement of the successful applicants has been eagerly anticipated.
The four award holders who will receive financial support to carry out innovative new research are:
Dr Dilani Jayawarna, Mr Mike Bull and Dr Valerie Antcliffe of Manchester Metropolitan University with Social Enterprise: Bootstrapping as a Strategic Response to Recession
Professor David Smallbone, Dr John Kitching, Dr Mirela Xheneti and Eva Kasperova of Small Business Research Centre, Kingston University with On the Road to Recovery: a Longitudinal Analysis of Small Firm Survival and Growth Strategies in Post Recessionary Conditions
Professor Colin Williams and Dr Sarah Nadin of Sheffield University and Aaron Barbour of Community Links with Making the transition from informal to formal enterprise: Barriers and policy solutions
Professor Nick Wilson, Dr Ali Altanlar, Dr Iain Clacher and Mr Gianluca Veronesi of Leeds University with An Analysis of UK Regional Development Agency Support on Company Value: Evidence from Yorkshire Forward
Pioneering research to inform change and create genuine impact has never been more important than in these challenging times and ISBE is proud to support these exciting new projects. The results will be presented at a number of regional work shops throughout 2011 and at the ISBE 2011 conference which is to take place in Sheffield.
To view Synopses of each of the RAKE 2010 winning projects please click here
To view the full research outcomes of RAKE 2009 or for more info on the winners please click here