We are currently carrying out a research project aimed at investigating and gaining an in-depth understanding of the patterns of firm growth. In particular, we focus on firms dealing with the so-called “key enabling technologies”, as identified by the European Commission, such as nanotechnology, micro- and nanoelectronics including semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology and photonics.

These technologies are particularly promising due to the great benefits they bring to our society. In addition, we firmly believe that strong, competitive and innovative firms are fundamental in order to achieve these expectations.

Since management science still offers entrepreneurs and policymakers scant advice concerning the organisational, strategic and contextual conditions fostering the growth of entrepreneurial firms, our three-year project will deepen our knowledge of this phenomenon by adopting fresh theoretical perspectives and novel methodological approaches.

The project entitled “Scientific research and competitiveness. Variety of organisations, support systems and performance levels” is co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research within the program PRIN 2010.