Mapping the Field of Research on Entrepreneurial Organizations (1937–2016): A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda

Abstract

Research on entrepreneurial organizations has grown rapidly over recent decades. However, prior research has developed different ways to conceptualize entrepreneurial organizations, resulting in an ongoing discussion and a highly complex body of research, thus hindering the evolution of the literature. To improve our understanding of the structure and content of the field, we provide a synthesis of these conceptualizations and how they are reflected in the literature through a bibliometric analysis. Our findings uncover research topics and theoretical foundations of the field and how certain conversations pursue them through different conceptualizations. Building on our results, we identify future research opportunities.