European frameworks for entrepreneurship and small business development: a critical analysis of existing systems of support

Despite the importance of policy effectiveness for stimulating entrepreneurship, to date, little research has focused on the framework conditions for Entrepreneurship promotion and small business development. This paper aims to extend prior research and propose a theoretical framework, drawing on Entrepreneurship theory, New Institutional Economics (NIE) theory, Regional Innovations Systems Theory (RIS) and Context Theories, which will allow a systematic analysis of country/regional and local existing systems for entrepreneurship support. Given the complexity of the existing socio-economic, political, environmental and legal systems of different societies we argue for a holistic and dynamic approach that understands entrepreneurship as a non-linear process. An illustrative case based on France context is offer as preliminary findings from an analysis of primary and secondary sources, collected from relevant public authorities.