de Gruyter Handbook of Sociology of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The number of organization theorists and sociologists studying innovation and entrepreneurship has grown rapidly over the past two decades, yet it has been roughly 15 years since any volume has attempted a comprehensive review of the state of the literature.

In addition to having grown rapidly, the sociological literatures on entrepreneurship and innovation have evolved relatively independently. However, there are intellectual synergies to be gained in connecting these two literatures. A large share of innovation happens in the context of startups and a large share of startups pursue innovation through the commercialization of products and services.

Featuring engaging contributions from leading scholars in the field, the De Gruyter Handbook of Sociology of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a must-have and up-to-date summary of the literatures on the sociology of entrepreneurship and innovation. It is a comprehensive reference work, highlighting emerging areas and cutting-edge research, while also providing a vibrant agenda that empowers scholars and students to generate new ideas and knowledge.

Olav Sorenson is the Joseph Jacobs Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies, Faculty Director of the Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Professor of Strategy and of Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received his A.B. from Harvard College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Stanford University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Aalborg University and received the 2018 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research.

Patricia H. Thornton is Grand Challenge Faculty, Professor of Sociology and Entrepreneurship, and Faculty Fellow at the Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Bush Public Policy School, Texas A&M University, USA, and Senior Research Fellow, Strategy and Business Policy, Society and Organizations Institute, HEC, France. She received the W. Richard Scott award from the American Sociological Association and the George R. Terry award from the Academy of Management for her pioneering research on institutional logics. She received her PhD from Stanford University.