Among the most vexing challenges for entrepreneurs is how to avail themselves of the necessary services--intellectual venture capital--without burning through their seed money at a rate that makes further borrowing prohibitively expensive. Traditionally, professional firms have charged entrepreneurs a fee for their services, based on billable hours and effort. Yet in the past decade, an alternative model has emerged that obviates the entrepreneurs' conundrum while still satisfying the needs of the service provider.

The alternative is an equity-for-services arrangement, whereby...

The development of an enterpising culture is a primary objective of progressive nations and organizations. While entrepreneurship may occur as a natural result of personal drive, it occurs most often, most robustly, and is most sustainable in environments designed to encourage it. This book showcases emerging research, theory, and practice in the management of creativity, invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Featuring cases and examples from around the world and from a diverse array of industries, the authors explore such issues as organizational design, knowledge management, and...

In the 21st century, intangible resources such as knowledge and social capital have become as necessary to the modern economy as coal, diamonds, and oil were to the past. This shift from product-focused to service-focused economies necessitates a drastic re-thinking of the ways in which we support the mission and business of economic development on a global, regional, and national scale. In order to effect and sustain a positive change, innovation and knowledge networks need to be connected to every aspect of life, from the private and domestic, to the corporate and the global. This book...