An Overview of the Economics of Entrepreneurship and Small Business: The Legacy of David Audretsch

Abstract

Few scholars can be considered beacons who guide interested (and often disoriented) researchers. David Audretsch is one such scholar, who has shed light on entrepreneurship in a broad sense as well as on the economics of entrepreneurship and small business as a distinct field. Given his noteworthy and abundant contributions, a synthesis is required in order to understand the evolution of entrepreneurial thought from an economics perspective. Based on searches using Google Scholar and Web of Science (WoS), we therefore aim to quantitatively and analytically examine Audretsch’s contributions to the economics of entrepreneurship and small business. We employ bibliometric indicators to identify his seminal and most cited articles. We also use keywords analysis and co-occurrence to identify his key concepts over the years. Complementing this general view, we analyze the content of numerous publications that highlight the ways in which the economics of entrepreneurship and small firms has evolved. Suggestions for future research are also provided, which may prove useful for economists and specialists in related areas in order that the field may continue to advance.