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Small is Beautiful? Niche Entrepreneurship with a Swiss Touch

Author

Listed:
  • Jung Eung Park
  • Jim Pulcrano
  • Benoit Leleux

Abstract

Entrepreneurship in Switzerland seems to be the exact opposite of that in Silicon Valley and can be described as low-impact entrepreneurship, or niche-centric entrepreneurship. We used an online survey to investigate the characteristics of Swiss entrepreneurs, their business performance, activities in securing investments, as well as their expectations from supporting institutions. In addition, as an effective example of utilizing the ecosystem, we investigated the entrepreneurs’ activities in venture competitions. We provide empirical evidence that supports the view that Switzerland, at least regarding high-tech, early stage companies, has a unique ecosystem – low financial expectations, niche technology specialists, mostly angel and self-financed, high survival rates and clear success, defined via great products and innovation, and positive social/environmental impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung Eung Park & Jim Pulcrano & Benoit Leleux, 2020. "Small is Beautiful? Niche Entrepreneurship with a Swiss Touch," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 13(4), pages 1-52, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ibrjnl:v:13:y:2020:i:4:p:52
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Schwartz & Maximilian Goethner & Claus Michelsen & Nathalie Waldmann, 2013. "Start-up Competitions as an Instrument of Entrepreneurship Policy: The German Experience," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(10), pages 1578-1597, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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