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Scholars have asserted that a key factor that differentiates high growth firms (HGFs) from other firms is their ability to create value for their customers. This paper contributes to the literature by empirically exploring this relationship. Drawing on comparative cohorts of eleven HGFs and ten non-HGFs in Scotland, this paper finds that the HGFs were much more likely than their non-HGF counterparts to be positively influencing customer perceived value, which is considered as an important enabler of firm performance and growth. In addition to its empirical contribution to the high growth entrepreneurship literature, this paper raises issues for future research.

AbstractEfforts to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have proliferated in recent years, marking it out as the latest industrial policy 'blockbuster'. This article reports the findings from the first comprehensive empirical analysis of EE policy approaches. It posits a basic typology of different policy frameworks deployed under the ecosystem rubric. The findings suggest the concept is fraught with conceptual ambiguity and is predominantly (and rather crudely) used to promote 'more' entrepreneurship. The research suggests the concept is a 'messy metaphor', open to wide-ranging misinterpretation and misuse by policymakers. In terms of recommendations, eradicating network failures, avoiding crude policy isomorphism and tailoring bespoke interventions to the specific nature of EEs are viewed as key policy lessons.

Purpose Few studies have sought to explore the issue of entrepreneurial intention within refugees, despite wide recognition of refugee entrepreneurial potential. This paper explores entrepreneurial intention amongst recently arrived Syrian refugees in the UK, including the role that the migration experience plays in shaping these intentions. Design/methodology/approach This paper follows an interpretive phenomenological research approach, contextualised within the entrepreneurial intention literature. It draws on data collected from in-depth interviews with 9 Syrian refugees, five of whom arrived independently and four of whom arrived via the UK Government's Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement (VPR) Programme. Findings All participants were found to have strong perceptions of desirability towards entrepreneurship. Individuals who arrived independently demonstrated more confidence in their abilities, and in turn somewhat stronger start-up intentions. The findings indicate that the personal development of independent refugee arrivals linked to their migration experiences may help shape the intention to engage in entrepreneurship. Research limitations As this paper draws on a small sample in a single geographic location, the findings presented are phenomenological, context specific and not necessarily applicable to other spatial locations or to other (refugee) groups. Social implications A number of practical and social implications are provided. Support interventions focused on strengthening the perceived abilities and capabilities of refugees would be of considerable benefit. Originality/value This paper provides new and important insight into the nature of entrepreneurial intention within a novel focal group. It makes a valuable contribution to the literature by considering issues of context and process, specifically the relationship between personal forced migration experience and the perceived capability to start a business.

High growth firms are now a major focus within enterprise policy. This paper provides a theoretically informed analysis of the rationale and effectiveness of targeted public sector support designed to develop these firms. Drawing on empirical research undertaken in the UK, this paper challenges the appropriateness of the theoretical assumptions embodied in these state-backed support instruments. It outlines the nature of these programmes and provides a critique of some of their inherent weaknesses, revealing that the assumptions underpinning these programmes are often flawed. The paper examines the limitations of their selection procedures, the thematic nature of support and exit dynamics. It found that offering early stage firms intensive levels of resources may have important (and detrimental) unintended consequences previously overlooked by policy makers. The paper offers some suggestions for how policy instruments could be better attuned to the needs of these growth-oriented firms.

In recent years, there has been an upsurge of interest by policy makers in high growth firms. Interest in these dynamic firms has primarily been driven by their prodigious ability to create new employment. Despite this, very little is known about the complex corporate geographies of these firms and their internationalisation processes. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this paper explores this issue by examining Scottish high growth firms. High growth firms were found to adopt more aggressive forms of international expansion, such as overseas acquisitions, than their non-high growth firm counterparts. As a result of these complex growth processes, a large proportion of high growth firm employment growth is generated outside Scotland. The paper concludes that the regional development impact of high growth firms for small peripheral economies in the UK is more limited than originally envisaged. The implications of the study for further research and public policy are examined.

Cover -- Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- List of Boxes -- List of Minicases -- About the Authors -- Preface -- An Introduction to the High-impact Social Venture -- Changes in the Second Edition -- What do we Mean by a "High-Impact" Venture that can Change the World? -- Shattering the Glass Ceiling -- Companion Text -- How this Book Works -- Theme 1: Social Enterprises, Social Entrepreneurs and Social Ventures -- 1 What Makes a Social Venture Special? -- Learning Outcomes -- What is a Social Enterprise? -- The Characteristics of Social Enterprises -- The Contribution of Social Enterprises -- Summary: Perspectives on Social Enterprises -- Suggested Readings -- 2 The Nature of Social Entrepreneurs -- Learning Outcomes -- What is a Social Entrepreneur? -- Social Entrepreneurs and Growth Ambitions -- Attributes of a Social Entrepreneur -- Summary: The Nature of the Social Entrepreneur -- 3 Starting a Social Venture -- Learning Outcomes -- Social Drivers: Stakeholders -- Social Ventures and Start-Up -- Balancing Vision and Risk -- Summary: Perspectives on Starting a Social Venture -- Supplemental: The Start-Up Business Plan -- Theme 2: Developing a High-Impact Social Venture -- 4 Marketing for a Social Venture -- Learning Outcomes -- The "Strategic" Part of Social Marketing -- Adaptive Marketing for Social Ventures -- Ethics and Governance -- Summary: Marketing for Social Ventures -- 5 Social Venture Income Streams -- Learning Outcomes -- Balancing income and Purpose -- Creating Value for Stakeholders -- Funding Options -- Summary: Building a Sustainable Business Model for Today and Tomorrow -- 6 Thinking Internationally -- Learning Outcomes -- International Perspectives on Growth -- Internationalization and Opportunities for Social Ventures -- International Collaboration -- Summary: Thinking Internationally.