New Firm Formation and Regional Economic Development: An introduction and review of the Scottish experience

This paper introduces this special edition ofSmall Business Economics on New Firm Formation and Regional Economic Development. It integrates the articles appearing in this volume with others presented at the Economic and Social Research Council Urban and Regional Economics Seminar Group conference on this theme in January 1994 in Ayr, Scotland. Many of the studies are derived from a Scottish Enterprise research programme on the contribution of new enterprises and entrepreneurs to economic development, and the factors explaining the low levels of business start-ups in Scotland. Comparative data, research and experiences from across the UK, European Union and US are called upon to improve the understanding of the processes involved. The findings are sometimes unsuspected, challenging the super-structure of business development agencies and their attitudes and behaviour towards indigenous potential entrepreneurs.