Title: An exploratory comparison of US and international academically based entrepreneurship centres

Authors: Michael R. Bowers, Ilan Alon

Addresses: Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College, Center for Entrepreneurship, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA. ' Jennifer J. Cornell Chair of International Business, Executive Director of Rollins – China Center, Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA

Abstract: Little research is available about the operations and management of academically based entrepreneurship centres, and even less is available on non-US-based centres. This paper fills the gap in the literature by examining the similarities and differences between US and non-US academically based entrepreneurship centres. More specifically, we examine the centres| structures, activities, success measures, directors| roles and resources. Global similarities were found in drivers of excellence and challenges facing centre directors. However, centres located outside the US tend to have different organisational structures, funding sources and missions. Our analysis forms the basis for benchmarking entrepreneurship centres and can help those interested in establishing such centres understand the different facets of their centres| management.

Keywords: global entrepreneurship; comparisons; academically based entrepreneurship centres; organisational structures; funding sources; higher education; private schools; universities; USA; United States; entrepreneurial education; success measures; directors; resources; global similarities; international centres; excellence; challenges; missions; benchmarking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2010.034391

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2010 Vol.5 No.2, pp.115 - 134

Published online: 02 Aug 2010 *

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