Frameworks for Entrepreneurship Research in Food, Agriculture and Rural Development Workshop
October 18-19, 2007, Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City, Mo.
The McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and the University of Missouri’s Division of Applied Social Sciences invites interested individuals to a two-day workshop on research frameworks for studying entrepreneurship in food, agriculture, natural resources and rural development. Participation will be limited to 75 registrants.
The workshop will bring together researchers and practitioners seeking a better understanding of the nature, causes, and consequences of entrepreneurial activity for food and agricultural production and the development of rural communities. Entrepreneurship is defined here broadly as not only the creation of new firms or the development of "entrepreneurial" personalities, but also the management of existing resources, the formation and development of innovative organizational forms (such as new-generation cooperatives), and innovative response of individuals and groups to technological change more generally.
Panels and presentations focus on such issues as the definition and measurement of entrepreneurship, the nature of "collective entrepreneurship" and teams, the effects of networks and social capital on entrepreneurial activity, and the managerial and organizational response to technological innovation. Ample opportunity will be provided for discussion and interaction. Also, there will be optional breakout sessions (Collective Entrepreneurship and Research Methods) on Friday afternoon, following the 2 p.m. conclusion of the conference.
Keynote Speakers
Cornelia Flora, Iowa State University
"The Status of Entrepreneurship Research and Application in Rural America," Thursday, Oct. 18, 5:15 p.m.
Sandy Kemper, a well-known serial entrepreneur from the Kansas City area, will speak Thursday evening.
Pierre Desrochers, University of Toronto
"Entrepreneurial Activities and the Regional Context: The Case for Local Diversity," Friday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m.
Randall Westgren, University of Illinois
"Through the Looking Glass: A Proposal for a New Framework for Entrepreneurship Research," Friday, Oct. 19, 1:15 p.m.