This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge in international entrepreneurship by reporting on a qualitative empirical investigation into the overseas expansion processes of small Asian (originating from the Indian sub-continent)-owned firms operating in the U.K. clothing industry. The key decision makers within these firms frequently identified themselves as an active, and important, influence upon the actual activities of their firms as international operators. For some firms though, a more passive approach to internationalisation could be identified, whereby the receipt of unsolicited orders had an effect on some firms' timing of overseas market entry. The balance between the nature of opportunities, that frequently derived from cultural networks, and the constraints of a limited resource base with which to exploit those opportunities, also had a major impact on the direction and pace of certain firms' overseas expansion. The findings suggest a general tendency to adopt an incremental approach to internationalisation within this mature trade sector. The cultural and business experience of managers, however, was found to have an effect on the pace and direction of the overseas expansion. Recommendations on the likely efficacy and effectiveness of public/private sector interaction within the area of international entrepreneurship involving entrepreneurs from Asian backgrounds are offered.

This paper investigates the behaviour of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that export agricultural-related products from the UK. Although a body of knowledge exists on both the areas of export strategy and competitiveness, empirical data has tended to relate to manufacturing as opposed to agricultural products. Multivariate quantitative analysis of survey data and subsequent findings from interviews indicate that limited statistical differences exist between the competitiveness of agricultural firms that employ as a growth strategy an approach which concentrates on key export markets compared with those that spread their efforts over a number of markets. Firm size, experience and commitment are investigated as co-variates within the analysis. Implications for policy-makers are drawn from the findings.

Property-based initiatives or 'incubators' such as Science Parks (adjacent to universities) have been established by their sponsors to promote higher education institute (HEI) and industry linkages as well as the formation and development of technology-based firms. Science Parks reflect an assumption that technological innovation stems from scientific research (for example, in a HEI) and that Parks can provide the catalytic incubator environment for the transformation of 'pure' research into production, generating the externality benefits within the Parks and the local economies. An extension to the linear model of innovation is provided by Bullock (1983). This study explores the applicability of the Bullock model which suggests firms established to provide 'soft' services transform over time to provide 'hard' manufactured products. A comparative static data set of technology-based firms interviewed in 1986 and 1992 located on and off Science Parks in the UK is explored to test presented hypotheses. The Bullock model is not supported. Nevertheless, 'soft' and 'hard' Science Park firms are found to make a contribution to wealth creation and job generation. The policy and research implications of the research findings are discussed. Keywords: Technology-BASED FirmsScience ParksBullock ModelDeindustrializationFirm Performance

This study explores the benefits of a managed science park location in the UK for independent technology-based firms. Property needs of independent technology-based firms located on managed science parks are compared with the property needs of technologybased firms located on non-managed parks. The role played by the science park manager/ director in the development of firms located on managed and non-managed science parks is also explored. Conclusions and implications for policy-makers and practitioners are detailed.

This study explores the perceived benefits of a science park location in the UK for independent technology-based firms. Property needs of independent science parks firms were compared with the property needs of a 'control' group of similar firms located off-park, Factors which influenced owner-managers to locate their ventures on a science park or an off-park location were ascertained, Further, the perceived benefits of selected locations were explored. Conclusions and implications for policy-makers and practitioners are detailed.

Discusses the contributions to economic theory by various authors and covers popular beliefs about entrepreneurial function. Analyses the potential contribution of Shackle to the development of entrepreneurial theory and outlines key elements of his theory. Concludes that a better understanding of Shackle’s decision‐making theory is useful, particularly now there is renewed interest in entrepreneurship.