Introduction: Cities and Entrepreneurship

This chapter introduces the volume contributing to a stream of literature inspired by Chinitz’s (Am Econ Rev 5(2):279–289, 1961) challenge to economic orthodoxy of the time that presumed, “the supply schedule of entrepreneurship is identical at all locations”. The chapter explains various measurements of entrepreneurship, distinguishing traits of the entrepreneur and factors that spur or stifle innovation in urban settings. The agglomeration of talent, capital and firms is a catalyst for growth and gives rise to civilizations, revolutions and scientific developments. Considering the importance of cities to host these agglomerations, the chapter identifies key gaps for further research in the area of urban studies and entrepreneurship.