What drives the entrepreneur?

There was an interesting piece in the Economist this week on Israeli firms and how they are forced to become multinational from the outset as a result of a small home-country market. Many of these firms actively seek country-markets in which the competition is fierce, which further pushes them to innovate. In essence, these firms are creating an environment that brings out that sense of urgency that innovation needs.

The following quote from the piece echoes much of what Joseph Schumpeter said about the factors that drive the entrepreneur to do what he does, irrespective of his wealth:

" . . . the real kick is the success, not the fruits of success."

Another important driver is the desire to create, as Schumpeter put it, a "transgenerational dynasty." Without the kids, the desire to innovate is reduced.

PS. I saw an ad on a billboard the other day from Benq, a Taiwanese firm, that had me wondering what the hell is going on with that firm. The billboard read: "Benq" then "Munich, Germany." Is this them trying to communicate that they are a German brand? I'll take a photo of the billboard and post it later. It's very interesting comparing how Taiwanese and South Korean firms approach their branding.

innovation, innovation management, China, Taiwan