Myth-busting and entrepreneurship policy: the case of high growth firms

Brown, R., Mawson, S. and Mason, C. (2017) Myth-busting and entrepreneurship policy: the case of high growth firms. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 29(5-6), pp. 414-443. (doi: 10.1080/08985626.2017.1291762)

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Abstract

Promoting high growth firms (HGFs) has become a strong fixation within enterprise policy. This is a debate article seeking to examine and challenge the mythology perpetuated by policy makers and embedded within high growth entrepreneurship policy frameworks. Within the article we argue that a number of distinctive ‘myths’ have become deeply embedded within these policy frameworks. Such myths have been built on misconceived preconceptions of HGFs, which has resulted in policy-makers taking a myopic view of these firms. A key aim of the paper is to highlight how false perceptions of HGFs translate into inappropriate policy interventions. The paper challenges some of the most commonly held myths about these firms (that they are predominantly young, small, high-tech, VC-backed, university spin-outs, who grow in an orderly organic fashion, operating similarly irrespective of location) and identifies a clear mismatch between how policy makers perceive HGFs and what they actually look like in reality. Suggestions for the design of future policy approaches are forwarded.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This paper draws in part on research undertaken by the authors for Scottish Enterprise, Department for Economy in Northern Ireland and the OECD.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mason, Professor Colin
Authors: Brown, R., Mawson, S., and Mason, C.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Entrepreneurship and Regional Development
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0898-5626
ISSN (Online):1464-5114
Published Online:15 February 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor and Francis Group
First Published:First published in Entrepreneurship and Regional Development 29(5-6): 414-443
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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