Higher employment, economic growth and innovation are fundamental objectives of modern economies. One effective means of attaining these goals is the development of successful entrepreneurs, and this book aims to provide a deeper, research-based understanding of the factors influencing successful entrepreneurship. Mirjam van Praag compares and contrasts the economic theory of entrepreneurship with determinants of successful entrepreneurship derived from empirical evidence, in an attempt to discover what makes for an accomplished entrepreneur.

The author's state-of-the-art historical, theoretical and empirical research on successful entrepreneurship - all from an explicit economic perspective - comprehensively addresses questions such as: 'What are the factors that influence individuals' decisions to start a business venture as opposed to working as an employee?' and 'What are the individual characteristics that make one successful as an entrepreneur?' thereby supporting or dispelling various existing myths. Individual factors contributing to the success of entrepreneurs that are considered include, amongst others, human capital, financial capital and psychological traits. The importance of such factors for the various phases of entrepreneurship, including start-up, delivery and performance is also measured.

Providing recommendations that aim to promote successful entrepreneurship, this unique book will be of great importance to a wide-ranging audience, including academics with an interest in economics, social science and business studies. Policymakers, capital suppliers, business consultants and trainers and, of course, potential entrepreneurs themselves will also find the book invaluable.