Customer integration in the early innovation phase, considered the method of choice in theory and practice, has shown unexpected side effects that may even outweigh its recognized advantages. As a result, management needs to be able to assess in advance whether the involvement of customers will...

Two very topical research questions are addressed in this book: Which are the determinants of new business formation and their survival, and will business start-ups, especially in the service sector, create employment and thereby generate growth? The analysis is based on a unique dataset...