Research themes

The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship focuses on problem-based, impact driven research. Our goal is to ensure research agendas are relevant and have impact focusing on some of the most contemporary challenges faced by entrepreneurs in society and the economy.

Our research mission is organised around 3 main interrelated themes: People, Place and Performance.

  • People: Understanding the issues concerning people who undertake entrepreneurial activities 
  • Place: Exploring the context in which entrepreneurship occurs and how the environment, policies and institutions shape business activity
  • Performance: Focusing on how businesses develop and address challenges related to productivity, innovation and growth.

Centre's research themes 

1. Entrepreneurship and disadvantaged groups

2. Organisational forms i.e. social enterprises; self-employment

3. Small business strategy 

4. Sustainability and entrepreneurship 

5. Entrepreneurship policies

Current projects:

Youth Entrepreneurship

New report in collaboration with OECD sets out agenda to support young entrepreneurs

The Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship (BCfE), has launched a policy paper entitled 'Youth Entrepreneurship Policy: Contemporary Challenges and Ways Forward', written by University of Liverpool’s Management School academics Professor Robert Blackburn and Dr Jordan Gamble in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

This report sets out a new agenda for youth entrepreneurship policy and is intended to be a starting point for debate and discussion on youth entrepreneurship, particularly the power of young people, their diversity, ambitions, and challenges as they move into adulthood. This improved understanding should then affect innovations in the aims, design, content, and delivery of entrepreneurship policy measures for young people to enable them to meet contemporary challenges. The report draws on evidence presented during a series of workshops in Liverpool, London and Paris.

To find out more and read the full report here

Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Report

Summary of findings 

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