William B. Lee

The most obvious form of entrepreneurship is that of starting a new business; however, in recent years, the term has been extended to include other forms of entrepreneurial activity. Corporate entrepreneurship is the process by which teams within an established company conceive, foster, launch, and manage a new business that is distinct from the parent company but leverages the parents assets, market position, capabilities, or other resources. A new, but similar form of entrepreneurial activity is the entrepreneurial supply chain. A supply chain connects customers with suppliers. An entrepreneurial supply chain is an innovative portion of that connection. The entrepreneurial supply chain usually consists of a new venture that is developed out of new and innovative ideas. The venture is responsible for resources, takes on risks, and is accountable for the payoffs.

Most organizations view their supply chains merely as cost centers, not recognizing the fact that supply chains are well positioned to be the entrepreneurial drivers of the company. Entrepreneurial supply chains can look for innovation and revenue opportunities wherever they may be found: upstream on the supply side, downstream on the demand side, or with competitors in the middle. This book focuses on unexplored opportunities for growth and innovation through entrepreneurial supply chains. It shows how entrepreneurial supply chains can enhance the value of a business regardless of its form. Creating Entrepreneurial Supply Chains: A Guide for Innovation and Growth takes the reader through the entire process of opportunity identification, due diligence, writing the business plan, managing risks, integrating the entrepreneurial supply chain venture, and reaping the payoff.