Small Business and Entrepreneurship Research

A key part of ISBE’s work is the support and dissemination of research in the field of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

This year ISBE launched its inaugural Research and Knowledge Exchange (RAKE) Fund. This £40,000 fund is sponsored by Barclays Bank and the ESRC and aims to encourage new research activities from within the academic community, support/advice/third sector organisations, consultants and practitioners.

ISBE is active in supporting those who are currently studying for PhD’s via its highly acclaimed Doctoral Day. This event gives students in the field an opportunity to get together and share their experiences of writing a PhD. The doctoral day attracts high level academic speakers and allows students to seek guidance and advice from experienced researchers.
 
In addition to supporting research, ISBE is renowned for showcasing the leading research which is currently being produced in the field of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Each year ISBE holds its annual conference which attracts around 500 national and international delegates concerned with small business and entrepreneurship. At the conference over 200 of the most relevant and high quality papers and case studies from the world of Small Business and Entrepreneurship are presented; many of which go on to be published in leading journals, monographs and books. ISBE also holds regional events throughout the year whose aim is the promulgation of the latest thinking and research and stimulating debate and discussion.

ISBE has recently started to produce a quarterly e-magazine Enterprising Matters which publishes topical research and case studies from the members; there is a new ISBE book series which will begin publication in 2010 in conjunction with Emerald; and the new ISBE website which allows visitors to search and read abstracts and best papers from past conferences.

ISBE’s panel of experts harnesses some of the vast store of knowledge available through the members and enables this to be accessed by the other members and contacts.