New Perspectives on Innovative Entrepreneurship and Path Dependence – A Regional Approach

This paper uses path dependence as an interpretive lens to examine the relationship between innovative entrepreneurship and regional development. A literature review of path dependence explains why that concept is relevant for this paper. The paper reaches four conclusions about the relationship. First, in the study of innovative entrepreneurship in a regional context, the technological, social and cognitive dimensions should be taken into consideration. Second, the effect of the different types of innovative entrepreneurship on path dependence depends on specific, regional situations. Third, the dominant regional network forms an institutional foundation that may either hinder or support innovative entrepreneurship. Fourth, innovative entrepreneurs who introduce new knowledge from outside the region are more likely to alter the regional path.