The Spirit of Entrepreneurship (PDF)

What inspires people to leave behind certainty to pursue their vision through creativity and entrepreneurship? Sharda S. Nandram and Karel J. Samsom, entrepreneurial researchers at Nyenrode Business University, explore entrepreneurship through the lens of human behaviour. Creative vision, drive, reflection, action, passion, teamwork, achievement, commitment and, significantly, personal values are some of the major elements.

Personal stories of 60 entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial executives from Europe and North America are studied in the context of human and organizational behavior. Case studies range from solo entrepreneurs to fast-growing ventures and from entrepreneurial CEO's to creative leaders in the public sector. Nandram and Samsom approach entrepreneurship as an interactive process of human forces and the economic, ecological, and social environments in which they manifest. These entrepreneurs' stories show how mutually beneficial results can be created when the pursuit of profits is balanced with the interdependent needs of individuals, the community and the planet.

"The educational process is critical. European universities must play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, helping students learn not just how to start, but also how to grow, enterprises and across national boundaries."

- Bert Twaalfhoven, Founder of Indivers and EFER (European Foundation of Entrepreneurship Research) -

"It's quite simple. The success of Ben & Jerry's from the very beginning had to do with really caring for all aspects of the business - our people, our customers, our shareholders, the communities we live in and serve and, of course, the Earth. The reality is that these are really inseparable. That and truly great ice cream, have continued to attract customers, increase shareholder value and nurture creativity. "The Spirit of Entrepreneurship" reveals this integrated approach to entrepreneurship."

- Ben Cohen, Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's -