Rhetoric and Reality

Growing and sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystems will drive the success of future SMEs. Following on from the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit and G20 SME Conference held in Australia, SEAANZ has outlined some of the key components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem including government policy, regulation, infrastructure and financing, as well as the importance of the nano-business. It is imperative that SMEs understand the nature of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which has become a key framework for drivingeconomic development, innovation and small enterprise growth.

Rhetoric and Reality: Building Vibrant and Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems examines areas such as: the law and access to justice for small firms, opportunities for collaboration and support between large and small firms, growing indigenous enterprises, improving the manufacturing sector, collaboration within cooperatives and mutual enterprises, the Lego entrepreneur approach, the impact of intellectual capital, environmental and social sustainability practices, and the role of universities as catalysts within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This book contains ten chapters from a range of specialist authors, with particular emphasis on: understanding specific issues for SMEs and/or components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem; reviewing prior research; identifying best practices; and revealing gaps in current policies, practices or research. The book reflects the diversity of issues and the complexity of small business as an area for government, industry and academics seeking to shape effective policies that will support this important sector.