Purpose – This paper aims to identify four “types” of private small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to their “state” along the exporting experience spectrum. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study explores survey information from a historic comparative...

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the factors that influence small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) performance and particularly, growth. Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilises an original data set of 360 SMEs employing 5‐249 people to run logit...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of open innovation practices on the innovation capability and export performance of UK small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – The empirical (quantitative) investigation is based on a sample of 64...

Multiple entrepreneurship can offer an alternative approach to understanding business growth mechanisms. Despite the growing interest in entrepreneurs who have been involved in more than one venture, few studies have focused on serial and portfolio entrepreneurship. This article explores the...

Purpose – The overall aim of the study was to gauge the perceptions of both small businesses and banks, as to the role of banks in the growth, development and success of small entrepreneurial Northern Irish businesses. Design/methodology/approach – The authors employed a mixed methodological...

Purpose – To critically evaluate the obstacles and problems encountered by entrepreneurs while doing business in Albania, which is an economy in a transition. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology incorporates a survey that uses interview and questionnaire techniques. The...

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the development and implementation of enterprise policy in China, and the emergence of intermediaries and local strategies designed to encourage SME development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on interviews and workshops held with local...

Purpose – While the term “entrepreneurship” is not exclusively a private sector phenomenon, it is usually associated with private sector business activity and more specifically with small to medium enterprises. However, over the last two decades it has appeared in the public administration...

Purpose – This study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process. Design/methodology/approach – The approach analysed the main growth...

Purpose – This paper aims to examine perceived critical success factors (CSFs) affecting the performance of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and their relationship with firm characteristics. The paper also seeks to investigate the interdependence relationship among the perceived CSFs...