Innovation and Entrepreneurship

13.95

-
+

Specs

Categories: ,

Description

Still a neglected area of business, the ability to innovate and be a systematic entrepreneur is the focus of Peter Drucker’s study, that deals with the practicalities of opportunities, risks, structures, strategies, staffing and remuneration.

  • Author: Peter Drucker
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • Published: 2012-08-06
  • Pages: 270
  • ISBN-13: 9781136017629

Additional information

Author

Peter Drucker

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Innovation and Entrepreneurship”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Summary

What the internet says

Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.

Overall reception: Mostly positive

Peter Drucker's 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship' (1985) is widely regarded as a landmark work that transformed entrepreneurship from an abstract concept into a systematic discipline. Reviewers consistently praise the book for its timeless relevance despite being published over 35 years ago, with readers noting that Drucker was 'way ahead of his time' and that the content remains applicable to modern business challenges. The book is particularly valued for demystifying innovation by presenting it as a purposeful, manageable process rather than random genius or luck, backed by systematic analysis of seven sources of innovative opportunity. Multiple reviewers describe it as 'one of the best books on entrepreneurship' and appreciate Drucker's practical, non-sensational approach that applies across all types of organizations—from corporations to nonprofits and public institutions.

However, reader experiences vary significantly by section. Several reviewers note that the early chapters can be 'painful even if brilliant,' finding them dense or difficult to engage with initially. The book's reception improves dramatically in later chapters, particularly Chapter 9 on knowledge-based innovation covering science and technology. Readers appreciate the extensive real-world examples from companies like IBM, 3M, Bell Labs, and Marks & Spencer, though some acknowledge that certain examples and content have become dated. The book is consistently recommended for entrepreneurs seeking rigorous frameworks rather than motivational content, with reviewers emphasizing its value in providing systematic 'dos and don'ts' for starting ventures and reducing entrepreneurial risk through disciplined management practices.

What readers loved

  • Treats innovation and entrepreneurship as a systematic, learnable discipline rather than mysterious genius or luck
  • Remains remarkably relevant and timeless despite being published in 1985, with principles applicable to modern business
  • Provides a practical framework of seven sources of innovative opportunity that can be systematically searched and exploited
  • Applies broadly across all organization types including businesses, nonprofits, churches, labor unions, and public institutions
  • Includes numerous concrete examples from successful companies like IBM, 3M, Bell Labs, GE, and Marks & Spencer
  • Challenges the myth that entrepreneurship is inherently risky, showing how systematic approaches actually reduce risk
  • Offers specific, actionable 'dos and don'ts' for starting new ventures and implementing entrepreneurial management

Common critiques

  • Early chapters can be difficult, dense, or 'painful' to read through despite containing valuable insights
  • Some examples and content have become dated after more than 35 years since publication
  • The book focuses on actions and behavior rather than entrepreneurial psychology or character, which some readers may find limiting

Based on reviews from

  • Goodreads - Main Page
  • Goodreads - Alternative Listing
  • Citywire Book Review
  • Goodreads - George Mount Review
  • Goodreads - Jurgen Appelo Review
Last updated May 18, 2026 Summary based on publicly available reviews. May not reflect every reader's experience.