Exploring the relevance and useability of academic entrepreneurial research for SMEs

Author Identifier (ORCID)

Jalleh Sharafizad: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4480-3764

Fleur Sharafizad: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2495-4381

Kerry Brown: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9209-8046

Abstract

Entrepreneurship receives extensive academic attention, with research typically focusing on equipping entrepreneurs with competencies to navigate the challenges and opportunities inherent in entrepreneurial activities. However, whether and how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt these research findings remain unclear. Utilising a systematic literature review, our research outlines key aspects about if and how academic research may be translated to entrepreneurs to achieve practical utility in entrepreneurship. Data from five major databases were analysed using the well-recognised preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) method. Findings reveal that while most research offers practical insights, evidence of SME adoption is lacking. The results also suggest limited evidence of potential collaboration between academics and SMEs to inform the research design or assist with measuring the effectiveness of the findings post-research completion. A novel research framework is proposed to guide academics in crafting SME-actionable and practical research designs. This paper represents the first meta-analysis assessing SME entrepreneurs' perceptions of academic research's relevance and usefulness. Theoretical and practical contributions, limitations and directions for future research are outlined.

Keywords

Academic research, entrepreneurial research, practical implications, research relevance, research useability, small and medium enterprises, SMEs

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

1-1-2026

Volume

15

Issue

3

Publication Title

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business

Publisher

Inderscience Publishers

School

School of Business and Law

Comments

Sharafizad, J., Sharafizad, F., & Brown, K. (2026). Exploring the relevance and useability of academic entrepreneurial research for SMEs. International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 15(3), 295–326. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJGSB.2025.151852

Copyright

subscription content

First Page

295

Last Page

326

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1504/IJGSB.2025.151852