Abstract:This paper evaluates the contribution of creativity to entrepreneurship theory and practice in terms of building an holistic and transdisciplinary understanding of its impact. Acknowledgement is made of the subjectivist theory of entrepreneurship which embraces randomness, uncertainty and ambiguity but these factors should then be embedded in wider business and social contexts. The analysis is synthesised into a number of themes, from consideration of its definition, its link with personality and cognitive style, creativity as a process and the use of biography in uncovering data on creative entrepreneurial behaviour. Other relevant areas of discussion include creativity's link with motivation, actualisation and innovation, as well as the interrogation of entrepreneurial artists as owner/managers. These factors are embedded in a critical evaluation of how creativity contributes to successful entrepreneurship practice. Modelling, measuring and testing entrepreneurial creativity are also considered and the paper includes detailed consideration of several models of creativity in entrepreneurship. Recommendations for future theory and practice are also made. Introduction:

Surveys the literature on internationalisation research and identifies a number of theoretical and practical inadequacies in terms of current theory’s ability in describing behaviour of the smaller firm. A range of internationalisation theories are discussed, from their historical provenance in economic trade theory to the more recent developments concerning the impact of technology and networking. It is concluded that the majority of frameworks fail to readily explain smaller firm internationalisation behaviour. A number of implications and recommendations are presented, including the promotion of the belief that the emerging marketing and entrepreneurship paradigm provides additional understanding of smaller firm internationalisation, where creativity and innovative behaviour can act as a competitive advantage over firms with larger resources at their disposal. This then acts as a catalyst for internationalisation development.

The purpose of this research was to investigate e‐business and e‐supply strategies in Scottish small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The paper reviews academic literature and recent survey reports on the degree of e‐business adoption in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The qualitative methodology undertaken is described, findings are discussed and implications from this study for e‐business strategies outlined. This was an exploratory study using a small sample with possible geographic biases. Nevertheless, the data so far are in line with findings from larger studies. The role of support agencies is examined, as well as how government could better serve the SMEs. Finally conclusions and future research plans are presented.

Globalisation and technology effects appear to have spurred smaller firms around the world to embrace e-business practices. However, there is considerable variability in adoption and usage from country to country. Drawing on existing research on e-business and conventional business and marketing in the smaller firm, this paper formulates a conceptual framework of reasons behind adoption and non-adoption in the smaller firm. Macro dimensions, industry sector and firm-level factors are analysed, together with owner/manager motivations and attitudes towards e-business adoption. A conceptual framework is constructed and research propositions are then developed in order to focus attention on sets of internal and external factors which impact on smaller firm e-business usage. Recommendations for future theory development are presented, together with implications for industry bodies involved in supporting the SME sector.

Drawing on existing research on e‐business and the smaller firm, this paper presents a review of the literature and the formulation of a conceptual framework of adopting an e‐business approach. Macro‐factors, industry sector, firm and managerial motivations and attitudes are examined, and then positioned in a conceptual framework of e‐business development in domestic and international markets. A series of research propositions are developed which go beyond the formalised, prescriptive frameworks of e‐business as presented in marketing and e‐commerce textbooks. These include the belief that those firms with a high degree of entrepreneurial orientation will be more likely to develop interests in e‐business than their conservative counterparts. Other factors include firm size, age of the manager, particular industry sector and product type. Conceptualises the tangible and intangible factors which impact upon the process of e‐business development, to present a workable framework for future qualitative and quantitative data collection