Why inventors become entrepreneurs

Tacit knowledge is critical for innovation - According to an early and frequently quoted aerodynamic model, bumblebees cannot possibly fly. Of course, any entomologist or gardener knows that the fuzzy insects make it into the air with great success; the model simply had it wrong.

As with bees, so it is with business. Researchers have long held the conceit that innovative entrepreneurship is impossible. "They assert that 'entrepreneurs can't do anything new in the economy,'" says Daniel Spulber, a professor of management and strategy at the Kellogg School.

This is because established firms have several advantages when it comes to taking inventions to the market ... READ MORE

Released by Kellogg Insight - 5 May 2013