Author Description

This publication provides the papers and discussions from a conference of economists, businesspersons, business historians, and politicians on entrepreneurship and public policy. "The Demographics of Entrepreneurship" (David Birch; Thomas Gray, commentator) describes research on the nature of job creation in the United States and Europe. "Entrepreneurship and American Competitiveness" (Israel Kirzner; Carol Steinbach and Katsuro Sakoh, commentators) explains that entrepreneurship is characterized by alertness to economic opportunities--competition is espoused as the key to fostering entreneurship. "Entrepreneurship and the Political Process" (Thomas DeLay) argues that the relationship between business and the political system is rarely conducive to public interest. "What Motivates the Entrepreneur?" (Robert Brockhaus) analyzes the characteristics of the entrepreneur. "The Challenge of the Information Age" (Ronald Shelp; Robert Tollison and Laurence Moss, commentators) contends that the nature of the entrepreneurial revolution has been misunderstood. It argues that the surge in small business is related to what is happening in big business, warns that protectionism may soon appear in the service sector, and calls for a national information policy. "Is Entrepreneurial Opportunity Still Alive in America?" (Albro Martin; Richard McKenzie and Robert Friedman, commentators) explains that entrepreneurship is a vital component of successful large firms. An overview highlighting conference themes (William Dennis, Stuart Butler) concludes the publication. (YLB)