Innovation and entrepreneurship: An empirical study of Moroccan firms

Many researchers have discussed the relation between entrepreneurship and innovation based on the process, structure, and strategy of either entrepreneurship or innovation (Littunen, 2000, Cornwall and Perlman, 1990, Caird, 1988; Casson, 1982). While others have touched on the conceptual relationship between entrepreneurship and innovation (Schumpeter, 1934, Drucker, 1994, Legge and Hindle, 1997, Kanungo 1999, Sundbo, 1998), there have been few empirical studies that explore the synergies between the two. This study adopts a qualitative approach in exploring the presence of innovation in entrepreneurship process and actions. Therefore, interviews with senior managers of Moroccan entrepreneurial and innovative organizations and were conducted. The main findings of our empirical study will be presented and discussed in order to analyze how they would add to an understanding of the existing theories and practices of entrepreneurship and innovation.