Our Research
The Institute has enlisted top researchers from various universities to initiate innovative research on a pilot community that has long been considered a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity.
The pilot community has a legacy of successful entrepreneurship serving many industries. Although it is a comparatively small county, it is among the highest performing counties in terms of industry.
This community is Elkhart County, Indiana.
Research Themes
History
The historical factors that have prompted the overwhelming growth of entrepreneurs in communities
Entrepreneurship
The importance of philanthropy and mentorship in entrepreneurship and their impact on success
Sociology
The success stories of business leaders in entrepreneurial communities
Economics
Understanding the impact of international trade, the global supply chain, and trade diversification
Research Teams
Ball State Research Team: Exploring the effect of Quality of Life on Entrepreneurship
Dr. Michael Hicks is a distinguished Professor of Economics & Business Research and Director of the Center of Business Economics Research. As an established author and award-winning social science researcher, Dr. Hicks is widely respected for his contributions to the field of entrepreneurship.
Collaborators:
Dagney G. Faulk, PhD, Ball State University
Emily Wornell, PhD, Ball State University
David Terrell, MBA, Ball State University
Amanda Weinstein, PhD, Center on Rural Innovation
Ali Enami, PhD, The University of Akron
The Ball State Research Team, led by Dr. Michael Hicks, is dedicated to understanding and measuring entrepreneurial activity.
The research focuses on uncovering the driving forces behind geographic differences in entrepreneurship and analyzing the impact of quality of life on entrepreneurial changes over time.
Key Research Questions:
How can we accurately measure entrepreneurial activity?
What factors contribute to geographic variations in entrepreneurial activity?
To what extent does quality of life explain changes in entrepreneurial activity?
How does Elkhart County compare to similar regions in terms of entrepreneurial activity and quality of life over time?
This research sheds light on the complex dynamics of entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on how quality of life and local amenities shape the entrepreneurial landscape across the United States.
Butler Research Team: Exploring Entrepreneurial Success and Economic Well-being
Dr. Stephanie Fernhaber is a Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Butler University. As an established author, Dr. Fernhaber has been published in prominent journals such as the Journal of International Business Studies, Strategic Management Journal, and Journal of Business Venturing. She also serves as Field Editor for the Journal of Business Venturing and co-owns Renewing Management, bringing practical entrepreneurial experience to her academic work.
Collaborators:
Hessam Sarooghi, PhD, Butler University
Marleen McCormick Pritchard, PhD, Butler University
The Butler Research Team, led by Dr. Stephanie Fernhaber, is investigating the configurations of firms that drive greater economic well-being within a region. Through statistical analysis, the team aims to examine key drivers of entrepreneurial success and the role of industry clustering.
Key Research Questions:
What is the definition of an entrepreneurial community and how does it compare to entrepreneurial literature?
What firm configurations lead to enhanced entrepreneurship and economic well-being in a region?
What are the drivers of entrepreneurial success, and how can they be measured statistically?
This research is designed to offer a deep understanding of how firm structures and industry clusters influence regional economic well-being, providing valuable insights for both entrepreneurs and economic development leaders.
The Catholic University of Americas Team: Showcasing Entrepreneurial Success
Andreas Widmer is the Director of the Arthur & Carlyse Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Andreas Widmer brings extensive business and academic expertise, both in the United States and internationally. As an accomplished author on entrepreneurship and ethical leadership, Andreas has made significant contributions to the field. His diverse background includes serving as a former officer in the Swiss Guard, adding a unique dimension to his approach to leadership.
The CUA team recently completed a case study featuring an established entrepreneur from Elkhart, highlighting key insights and lessons in entrepreneurship. This case study is part of a broader effort by the IEC to explore real-world examples of entrepreneurial success to expand the curriculum to reflect learnings from the manufacturing sector and entrepreneurial communities.