Our research group is dedicated to explaining and understanding the preconditions, processes, and outcomes of growth entrepreneurship. We aim to contribute, through research, to building the best business transfer ecosystem in the world. Additionally, we focus on the creation of research-based practical tools for SMEs. Our efforts help keep our region, through RDI, thriving and resilient. In education, we evaluate student entrepreneurial intentions and strive to develop effective means of entrepreneurship education.
Our research areas
- Growth entrepreneurship
- SME business transfers
- Student entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurship education
- Sustainable business models and responsible entrepreneurship
- Digitalisation in business
- Strategic business development
- Hybrid and part-time entrepreneurship
Publications
Joensuu-Salo, S., Hämäläinen, M., Peltonen, K., & Raappana, A. (2024). The temporal development of teachers’ attitudes on entrepreneurship education – A latent growth curve analysis. Teaching and Teacher Education, 144, 104600, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104600
Joensuu, S., & Viljamaa, A. (2024). The relationship between digital orientation, organizational ambidexterity, and growth strategies of rural SMEs in time of crisis. The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Online first, https://doi.org/10.1177/146575032412455
Viljamaa, A., Joensuu-Salo, S., & Varamäki, E. (2024). Retiring entrepreneurs and succession planning: Does entry mode determine exit strategy? Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-05-2023-0203
Joensuu-Salo, S. & Matalamäki, M. (2023). The impact of digital capability on firm performance and growth in incumbent SMEs. Journal of Enterprising Culture 2023 31(2), 211-232. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218495823500073
Joensuu-Salo, S., Peltonen, K., & Hämäläinen, M. (2023). The importance of HEI managerial practices in teachers’ competence in implementing entrepreneurship education: Evidence from Finland. The International Journal of Management Education, 21(2), 100767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2023.100767
Joensuu-Salo, S., Viljamaa, A. & Kangas, E. (2022). Marketing First? The Role of Marketing Capability in SME Growth. Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship 25(2), 185-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRME-05-2021-0070
Sorama, K. & Joensuu-Salo, S. (2022). Entrepreneurial orientation, firm growth and performance in SMEs: testing the scale of EO in SMEs context. Entrepreneurship Research Journal 13(3), 601-629. https://doi.org/10.1515/erj-2021-0175
Joensuu-Salo, S., Viljamaa, A. & Varamäki, E. (2022). Testing the EntreComp Framework and its Relation to Start-Up Behaviour in Seven European Countries. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 29(6), 920-939. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-04-2021-0156
Viljamaa, A., Joensuu-Salo, S. & Kangas, E. (2021). Part-time entrepreneurship in the third age: well-being and motives. Small Enterprise Research
Joensuu-Salo, S., Kangas, E. & Mäkipelkola, J. (2021). Service Innovation Capability in Social and Health Care SMEs: The Impact of Market Orientation and Technology Orientation. Journal of Enterprising Culture 29 (3), 183-206. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218495821500138
Matalamäki, M.J. & Joensuu-Salo, S. (2021). Digitalization and strategic flexibility – a recipe for business growth. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 29(3), 380-401. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-10-2020-0384
Joensuu-Salo, S., Peltonen, K., Ruskovaara, E., Hämäläinen, M. & Arhio, K. (2020). The impact of entrepreneurial teaching on teaching practices in entrepreneurship: The mediating effect of the teacher’s ease of performing university–business collaboration. Journal of Finnish Studies 23 (2), 74-103.
Joensuu-Salo, S., Peltonen, M., Hämäläinen, M., Oikkonen, E. & Raappana, A. (2020). Entrepreneurial teachers do make a difference – Or do they? Industry and Higher Education 35(4), 536-546 https://doi.org/10.1177/0950422220983236
Matalamäki, M., Varamäki, E., Viljamaa, A., Tall, J. & Mäkelä, A-M. (2020). Unsuccessful SME Business Transfers. Journal of Enterprising Culture 28 (2), 121-146. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218495820500065
Joensuu-Salo, S., Varamäki, E. & Viljamaa, A. (2020). Do intentions ever die? A longitudinal study of entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors. Education + Training 62(3), 325-338. https://doi.org/10.1108/et-03-2019-0053
Joensuu-Salo, S. (2020). A long-term effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions: results from Finnish higher education students. Journal of Finnish Studies 23 (2), 9-31. https://doi.org/10.5406/28315081.23.2.04
Länsiluoto, A., Joensuu-Salo, S., Varamäki, E. Viljamaa, A. & Sorama K. (2019). Market orientation and performance measurement system adoption impact on performance in SMEs. Journal of Small Business Management, 57(3), 1027-1043. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12393