Introduction: Beyond 140 Characters

While economists have long posited a relationship between innovation, entrepreneurship, productivity growth, and economic output, conflicting observations lead us to question just how much we know about the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving productivity and economic growth. The chapters in this volume seek to answer the following questions: What is the relationship between innovation/entrepreneurship and economic growth in specific industrial sectors? How has the relationship between innovation /entrepreneurship and economic growth changed over time? How much do policies, programs, and specialized institutions meant to encourage innovation or entrepreneurship ultimately spur economic growth? Does innovation or entrepreneurship affect economic performance and social progress other than through measured productivity and economic growth, and if so, how can these effects be measured? In this introduction we synthesize the chapters in the volume and present broad conclusions.