Books
Roland V. Anglin, PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE LOCAL AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2010).
Product Description (from Amazon): In the 1960s, economic revitalization of communities became a priority of new government agencies and part of the priorities of established ones; however, their efforts resulted in mixed results. This book explains the current transformation in community revitalization from market-based incentives to mixed strategies of public sector learning, partnerships, and community capacity. Case studies are included that demonstrate what has and has not worked in revitalization efforts, as well as how active public and private sector partnerships have been the most effective in revitalization efforts.
David B. Audretsch & Mary Lindenstein Walshok, Creating Competitiveness: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policies for Growth (2013).
Abstract (from publisher): Although competitiveness is typically associated with firms, they are not the only organizational body whose performance is dependent upon competitiveness. This poignant insightful book focuses on how the varied economic performance of cities and regions, both within nations as well as across nations, during the era of the Great Recession also highlights the need for competitiveness.
Competitive cities and regions enjoy a superior economic performance, while their less competitive counterparts experience poorer economic growth and increasing unemployment. Using leading frameworks, this study provides applications and case studies about what shapes the competitiveness of places in an international context. Specific policies that enhance local competitiveness are identified and analyzed.
Scholars of regional economics, urban economics, urban planning and public policy as well as policymakers will find plenty of invaluable information in this invigorating book.
Terry L. Besser, THE CONSCIENCE OF CAPITALISM: BUSINESSES SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNITIES (2002).
Abstract: The common wisdom that business contributions to the common good are counterproductive in the new competitive global marketplace does not hold up to empirical research. In fact, doing good is good for business. In her exhaustive survey of the Iowa business community, Besser discovered that business owners and managers often act out of a sense of community spirit and a certain obligation to better the common good. She demonstrates that, while the increasingly globalized economy has encouraged a number of large corporations to become freewheelers, the vast majority of companies are firmly rooted in place and look at their locales with more than just a utilitarian eye.
Bjorn Bjerke, About Entrepreneurship (2013).
Abstract (from publisher): The author covers all aspects of entrepreneurship including the history of the subject, our modern entrepreneurial society, local community development, entrepreneurship in different national cultures and women as entrepreneurs. The author addresses some theoretical developments, and considers a narrow and a broad view of entrepreneurship, rational and natural entrepreneurial start-ups and entrepreneurship in space and place.
At the end of every chapter, there are numerous “Think” questions and a practice case, which may be useful when studying the subject alone or when teaching it. There are online resources for teachers to support the text.
Björn Bjerke & Hans Rämö, Entrepreneurial Imagination: Time, Timing, Space and Place in Business Action (2011).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): Entrepreneurial Imagination innovatively focuses on entrepreneurial and economic action in time, timing, space and place. Schedules and places of production, working times and working places, are no longer fixed due to the effects of the contemporary economy. The authors expertly bring together a focused and themed book that deals wholly with the subjects of time and space in a phenomenological understanding of entrepreneurial ventures and related business action. They discuss theories and thinking of human action, space, place, timing and time in various entrepreneurial and business arenas, including social entrepreneuring, environmental and corporate social responsibility, network forms of entrepreneuring, urban governance and regional development. Taking a phenomenological approach to enable readers to understand entrepreneurship and related economic action clearly will prove to be inspiring for students, academics and practitioners interested in all areas of entrepreneurship and similar issues.
Edward J. Blakely & Nancey Green Leigh, PLANNING LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THEORY AND PRACTICE (4th ed. 2009).
Abstract (from publisher): This book explores the theories of local economic development while addressing the issues and opportunities faced by cities, towns, and local entities to craft their economic destinies within the global economy. It also covers planning processes, analytical techniques, and locality, business, and human resource development, as well as high technology and sustainable economic development strategies.
Ray Boshara, Building Assets: A Report on the Asset-Development and IDA Field (2001).
Abstract (from Corporation for Enterprise Development): The report summarizes the research on and practice in the asset development and Individual Development Account field.
Ray Boshara et al., REALIZING THE PROMISE OF MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN WELFARE REFORM (1997).
Abstract: Guidelines for the employment of microenterprise development as a welfare-to-work strategy under recent federal welfare legislation. Identifies the ways that microenterprise promotes self-sufficiency and makes policy recommendations for implementation of welfare reform.
Community Economic Development (Frederic P. Miller, Agnes F. Vandome & John McBrewster eds., 2010).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): Community Economic Development is action taken locally by a community to provide economic opportunities and improve social conditions in a sustainable way. Often CED initiatives aim to improve the lot of those who are disadvantaged. An aspect of "localizing economics," CED is a community-centered process that blends social and economic development to foster the economic, social, ecological and cultural well-being of communities. It may form part of an ESCED initiative. Community economic development is an alternative to conventional economic development.
Monica C. Diochon, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2004).
Abstract: Examines the development processes adopted by two rural, single-industry Canadian communities in light of negative changes in the local economy. Provides evidence that entrepreneurship support is an important factor in successful economic development. While finding many factors contribute to success of community development efforts, finds support for the idea that economic activities that are community-determined and provide varied opportunities for participation are particularly important.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (Wim A. Naudé ed., 2010).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): Promoting private sector development and entrepreneurship in particular, has become a defining feature of development policy in recent years. At a time when global development is being jeopardized by man-made and natural disasters, including financial crises and climate change, the need to integrate socially beneficial innovation and the pursuit of profit with the role of state and non-state actors, is becoming more urgent than ever. This volume brings together internationally leading scholars to explore the nature of economic development and its relationship with the various concepts of entrepreneurship. It identifies the concerns and issues in measuring the impact of entrepreneurship, evaluates and presents empirical evidence on the role of entrepreneurship and economic development, and dissects the evolving relationship between the state and entrepreneurs. The chapters emphasize the importance of institutions for understanding how entrepreneurs can play their innovative, Schumpeterian role to the greatest benefit to society, and that such institutional-entrepreneurial interactions – even beyond the traditional theatre of the nation state and the national economy – remains a major challenge.
Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy: Models, Approaches and Prospects for Economic Development (Mai Thi Thanh Thai & Ekatarina Turkina eds., 2012).
Abstract (by author): Although entrepreneurship in the informal economy occurs outside state regulatory systems, informal commercial activities account for an estimated 30% of economic activity around the world. Informal entrepreneurship goes unmonitored despite the fact that it significantly contributes to poverty reduction and economic development. As a result, the informal sector is open to unethical practices including corruption, worker exploitation, and natural environment abuse to name just a few. In the media, debates have formed around whether informal entrepreneurship should be assisted or legitimized. Hence, a deep understanding of the phenomenon is vitally important. This book is the first on the market to offer models and approaches to informal entrepreneurship as well as to its prospects for economic development. Offering an in-depth examination of informal entrepreneurship in many different countries, it reveals the motivations for engaging in entrepreneurship in the informal economy, characteristics of informal entrepreneurship, and informal entrepreneurs’ response to ethical issues. This volume illustrates the relationship between formal and informal economies and the conditions for the benefits of informal entrepreneurship to outweigh its disadvantages. And finally, it gives recommendations about when and how the informal economy can be formalized, which sectors should be formalized, and which ones can remain informal. This book offers much-needed guidance for stakeholders involved in economic development programs and scholars and entrepreneurs interested in the field of informal entrepreneurship as it is developing around the globe.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation, And Economic Development: A Study Prepared for the World Institute For Development Economics Research of The United Nations University and Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (Adam Szirmai et al. eds., 2011).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): Entrepreneurship and innovation are two of the most pervasive concepts of our times, yet there are still gaps in our understanding of the interactions between entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in developing countries. This book is an attempt to fill this gap. It focuses on the entrepreneurship-innovation-development nexus, drawing heavily on empirical evidence from developing countries. Cross-country and individual country experiences cover nations as diverse as Ethiopia, India, Turkey, Vietnam, and also examine lessons from advanced economies such as Finland. Three sets of questions are addressed. What is the impact of entrepreneurship and innovation on growth and development? What determines the innovative performance of entrepreneurs in developing countries? What role does the institutional environment play in shaping the extent and impact of innovative activities? A key message is that entrepreneurial innovation, whether through small firms, large national firms, or multinational firms, is often vibrant in developing countries, but does not always realize its full potential. This is due to institutional constraints, the absence of the appropriate mix of different types of small and large and domestic and foreign firms, and insufficiently developed firm capabilities. The contributions provide a better understanding of the determinants and impacts of innovation in developing countries and the policies and institutions that support or hinder innovation.
Entrepreneurship, Social Capital and Governance: Directions for the Sustainable Development and Competitiveness of Regions (Charlie Karlsson, et al eds., 2013).
Abstract (from publisher): This book highlights the role of entrepreneurship, social capital and governance for regional economic development. In recent decades, many researchers have claimed that entrepreneurship is the most critical factor in sustaining regional economic growth. However, most entrepreneurship research is undertaken without considering the fundamental importance of the regional context. Other research has emphasized the role of social capital but there are substantial problems in empirically relating measures of social capital to regional economic development. The expert contributors to this work highlight the role of governance in regional growth, an area that has so far been relatively under-researched, underpinning their findings with new theoretical and empirical evidence. They conclude that the relationship between entrepreneurship, social capital and governance in factors affecting regional economic development are complex and interdependent, and that to influence these factors and the relationship between them, policymakers must have a long-term perspective and be both patient and persistent in their efforts.
Brad Feld, Start-Up Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in your City (2012).
Abstract (from publisher): "Startup communities" are popping up everywhere, from cities like Boulder to Boston and even in countries such as Iceland. These types of entrepreneurial ecosystems are driving innovation and small business energy. Startup Communities documents the buzz, strategy, long-term perspective, and dynamics of building communities of entrepreneurs who can feed off of each other's talent, creativity, and support. Based on more than twenty years of Boulder-based entrepreneur turned-venture capitalist Brad Feld's experience in the field as well as contributions from other innovative startup communities this resource explores what it takes to create an entrepreneurial community in any city, at any time. Along the way, it offers valuable insights into increasing the breadth and depth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem by multiplying connections among entrepreneurs and mentors, improving access to entrepreneurial education, and much more.
Dorothy N. Gamble & Marie Weil, Community Practice Skills: Local to Global Perspectives (2010).
Abstract (Amazon Product Description): Dorothy N. Gamble and Marie Weil differentiate among a range of intervention methods to provide a comprehensive and effective guide to working with communities. Presenting eight distinct models grounded in current practice and targeted toward specific goals, Gamble and Weil take an unusually inclusive step, combining their own extensive experience with numerous case and practice examples from talented practitioners in international and domestic settings. The authors open with a discussion of the theories for community work and the values of social justice and human rights, concerns that have guided the work of activists from Jane Addams and Martin Luther King Jr. to Cesar Chavez, Wangari Maathai, and Vandana Shiva. They survey the concepts, knowledge, and perspectives influencing community practice and evaluation strategies. Descriptions of eight practice models follow, incorporating real-life case examples from many parts of the world and demonstrating multiple applications for each model as well as the primary roles, competencies, and skills used by the practitioner. Complexities and variations encourage readers to determine, through comparative analysis, which model at which time best fits the goals of a community group or organization, given the context, culture, social, economic, and environmental issues and opportunities for change. An accompanying workbook stressing empowerment strategies and skills development is also available from Columbia University Press.
Gary Paul Green & Anna Haines, ASSET BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (2002).
Abstract: Explores the history of the community development movement in the United States and in international settings. Using an asset-based approach that considers human, physical, social, financial, and environmental capital, the authors demonstrate how local organizations are better able to meet community needs than governmental programs or market strategies.
Peter Greer & Chris Horst, Entrepreneurship for Human Flourishing (2014).
Abstract (from publisher): In our efforts to reduce poverty and advance human flourishing, we are often quick to glorify the noble nonprofit, while viewing entrepreneurship and enterprise as amoral at best. In Entrepreneurship for Human Flourishing, Chris Horst and Peter Greer of HOPE International argue that such a posture neglects the very engine of human flourishing whatever their size or form, businesses play a central role in the war on poverty. With personal stories of everyday businesspeople, Greer and Horst assert the integral role of free enterprise and entrepreneurship in creating opportunities for individuals to experience what it means to be fully human. For when that happens, they argue, people and societies flourish.
Robert K. Lamb, The Entrepreneur and the Community, in Men in Business: Essays in the History of Entrepreneurship, 91-321 (William Miller ed., 1952).
Abstract: Early work examining community-oriented programs versus programs focused on individual entrepreneurs. While both approaches develop new business enterprises and create local jobs, the community oriented programs are also expected to mobilize local resources around entrepreneurial efforts that go beyond the economic sphere.
John Loxley, TRANSFORMING OR REFORMING CAPITALISM: TOWARDS A THEORY OF COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2007).
Abstract (from product description at Amazon.com): Drawing on several disciplines—including economics, sociology, and political science—this study assesses the state of community economic development (CED) theory. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of drawing theoretical insights from each discipline, as well as interdisciplinary approaches. The analysis also includes discussions of future theoretical directions and achieving a transformative CED.
John Loxley, Jim Silver & Kathleen Sexsmith, Doing Community Economic Development (2007).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): Challenging traditional notions of development, these essays examine bottom-up, community economic-development strategies in a wide variety of contexts—as a means of improving lives in rural, and inner-city settings, shaped and driven by women and by Aboriginal people, and aimed at employment creation for the most marginalized. Most authors have employed a participatory research methodology, but all of the essays are the product of a broader, three-year community–university research collaboration. This same collaboration focuses on the strengths and difficulties of participatory, capacity-building strategies for those marginalized by the competitive, profit-seeking forces of capitalism. Many exciting initiatives with great potential are described and critically evaluated, along with on-the-ground descriptions of a wide variety of community economic-development projects, from urban aboriginal businesses to the rural and agricultural fields.
Thomas S. Lyons & Roger E. Hamlin, CREATING AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN: A GUIDE FOR DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS (2001).
Abstract: This work discusses economic development plans within the broader perspective of community development. It defines the elements of the planning process and gives the basic information necessary to solve the many and diverse problems of economic development. It also explains how to establish successful public-private partnerships.
Main Street Renewal: A Handbook for Citizens and Public Officials (Roger L. Kemp, ed. 2000).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): Towns and communities across America once revolved around their downtowns. Here people shopped, worked, relaxed, and worshipped. Changing needs and developments, however, resulted in their abandonment. Over the past decade, citizens have begun to seek ways to rejuvenate their main streets. While these efforts have experienced varying levels of success, this handbook presents many of the more successful programs, providing practical and proven "how-to" insights for those communities seeking similar results for their downtowns. The articles collected here provide an introduction to the downtown situation and its complex issues. They illustrate techniques of organization and management, describe the tools required for successful main street renewal, and provide case studies of many successful programs from across the country. This valuable tool for city planners, business people, and private citizens includes a bibliography and index.
Heike Mayer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Second Tier Regions (2012).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): Second tier high-tech regions are taking a different path than their well-known counterparts such as Silicon Valley or Route 128 around Boston. They may lack many prerequisites of growth such as a world-class research university or high levels of venture capital funding. Often, however, they can successfully leverage anchor firms and entrepreneurial spinoffs. This book explores the evolution of these regions in the United States. The author critically examines how they evolved as knowledge-based economies, how they leveraged entrepreneurship and innovation, and ultimately how they employed public policy to support economic growth.
Mobilizing Communities: Asset Building as a Community Development Strategy (Gary P. Green & Ann Goetting eds., 2010).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): As communities face new social and economic challenges as well as political changes, the responsibilities for social services, housing needs, and welfare programs are being placed at the local government level. But can community-based organizations address these concerns effectively? The editors and contributors to Mobilizing Communities explore how these organizations are responding to these challenges, and how asset-based development efforts can be successful. Asset-based development, rather than needs assessment, has become a new paradigm in the community development field over the last fifteen years. Although the approach is widely used by practitioners and promoted by foundations, asset-based development has not been examined critically by researchers until now. Mobilizing Communities provides a conceptual framework and practical guidance to community development practitioners. The editors solicited case studies from a variety of geographic settings, regions and racial/ethnic groups. The communities in the case studies mobilize residents around different forms of community capital (e.g., financial, cultural, and environmental capital). The contributors examine the role of public participation, the organizational and institutional structure, relationships with governmental officials, and the outcomes and impacts of the asset-based development projects. Contributors include: Lionel J. 'Bo' Beaulieu, Emily Blejwas, Sarah Dewees, Michael L. Dougherty, Mark H. Harvey, John (Jody) Kretzmann, Rocio Peralta, Rhonda Phillips, Deborah Puntenney, Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, Gordon E. Shockley, and the editors.
Jerry W. Robinson & Gary P. Green, Introduction to Community Development: Theory, Practice, and Service-Learning (2011).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): This text provides students of community and economic development with a theoretical and practical introduction to the field. Bringing together leading scholars, it provides both a conceptual background and contemporary approaches, with a progression from theory to practice. Included are case studies and supportive material to develop community service-learning activities.
Margaret Sherraden & Betsy Slosar, COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR THE FUTURE (2000).
Margaret S. Sherraden & William A. Ninacs, Community Economic Development and Social Work (1998).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): In Community Economic Development and Social Work, you’ll find innovative theoretical approaches to the newly emerging field of community economic development (CED). You’ll see how community leaders, residents, community organizations, social workers, city planners, local business owners, bankers, and/or investors can come together to promote successful CED.
Howard H. Stevenson & William A. Sahlman, Importance of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development, in Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, and Venture Capital: The Foundation of Economic Renaissance, 3, 25 (Robert D. Hisrich ed. 1986).
Wesley D. Sine & Robert J. David, Institutions and Entrepreneurship (2010).
Abstract (adapted from Amazon.com): This volume examines how the institutional environment affects entrepreneurial organizations, and vice-versa. This includes not only how the institutional environment constrains both founding processes and the type of organizations founded, but also how institutional dynamics construct new entrepreneurial opportunities, empower and facilitate action, and how entrepreneurs manipulate the institutional environment to serve their own ends. This institutional approach to entrepreneurship shifts attention away from the personal traits and backgrounds of individual entrepreneurs, and towards how institutions shape entrepreneurial opportunities and actions; how entrepreneurs navigate their cognitive, normative, and regulatory environments; and, how actors modify and build institutions to support new types of organizations.
Mihailo Temali, COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK: STRATEGIES AND TOOLS TO REVITALIZE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD (2002).
Abstract (from product description at Amazon.com): A step-by-step guide to turning any neighborhood around. In this concrete, practical, jargon-free handbook, the author describes a way to make any community a better place to live. The author defines four pivot points that are crucial to neighborhood economies: Revitalizing the commercial district, Developing microbusinesses, Developing the community workforce, and Growing good neighborhood jobs. Appendices provide useful resources and include dozens of worksheets.
The Role of Entrepreneurship Theory and Methods, Practice and Policy (Sameeksha Desai et al. eds., 2011).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): The introduction of endogenous growth theory has led to new interest in the role of the entrepreneur as an agent driving technical change at the local regional level. This book examines theoretical and methodological issues surrounding the interface of the entrepreneur in regional growth dynamics on the one hand and on the other presents illuminating case studies. In total the book’s contributions amplify understanding of such critical issues as the relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship, the entrepreneur’s role in transforming knowledge into something economically useful, and knowledge commercialization with both conceptual and empirical contributions. The emergence of endogenous growth theory has unleashed a flurry of new hypotheses and related inquiries that have in turn created an exciting dynamic in the conceptual, theoretical and empirical foundations of the field. A central feature has been the recognition that local initiatives matter in how regions grow and adjust to changes and shocks. Moreover, it is the role of technical change, driven by entrepreneurs, that motivates these initiatives. This volume begins by outlining and explaining the theory and method behind entrepreneurship and development. This is followed by specific case studies of practice and policy. These cases are region specific, offering the reader concrete, empirically based research results.
Norman Walzer, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2007).
Abstract: Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Developmentdelves into the current thinking on local entrepreneurship development programs and evaluates ways in which practitioners can implement successful entrepreneurship practices. The discussion begins with a broad overview of the changing role of entrepreneurship initiatives in local economic development strategies, proceeds to examine major components of these programs, and concludes with important considerations in starting a local entrepreneurship initiative.
Patricia Watkins Murphy & James Cunningham, ORGANIZING FOR COMMUNITY CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT: RENEWING CIVIL SOCIETY (2003).
For practitioners, students, and academicians, this book connects the practical aspects of building an economic foundation and weaving the social fabric. It is a work that is both rigorous and useful, while also being accessible.
Marie Overby Weil, THE HANDBOOK OF COMMUNITY PRACTICE (2004).
Product Description from Amazon: This book is grounded in participatory and empowerment practice including social change, social and economic development, feminist practice, community-collaboratives, and engagement in diverse communities. It utilizes the social development perspective and employs analyses of persistent poverty, policy practice, and community research approaches as well as providing strategies for advocacy and social and legislative action.