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What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur? Historical Evidence from Italy (XIX-XX Centuries)

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandro Nuvolari

  • Pier Angelo Toninelli

  • MIchelangelo Vasta

Abstract

in this paper we employ a “quantitative” prosopographical approach to study the nature and the determinants of entrepreneurial success. Our main source is the “Biographical Dictionary of Italian Entrepreneurs” which contains very detailed information on 608 major Italian entrepreneurs active over more than two centuries. Our findings indicate the multidimensional nature of entrepreneurial success, comprising both a strictly economic and a “celebrity” dimension. Concerning the determinants of success, our findings point to the “political” nature of Italian capitalism.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Nuvolari & Pier Angelo Toninelli & MIchelangelo Vasta, 2016. "What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur? Historical Evidence from Italy (XIX-XX Centuries)," Department of Economics University of Siena 727, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
  • Handle: RePEc:usi:wpaper:727
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    File URL: http://repec.deps.unisi.it/quaderni/727.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alberto Rinaldi & Giulia Tagliazucchi, 2018. "Women Entrepreneurs in Italy: A Prosopographic Study," Department of Economics 0129, University of Modena and Reggio E., Faculty of Economics "Marco Biagi".

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N73 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N74 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N83 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N84 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: 1913-
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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