Searching for entrepreneurship

This paper describes the origins and research that have culminated in a new psychometric tool (EMAQ) that is used to consider an individuals' leanings towards entrepreneurship. The research undertaken in developing the tools is described. It is set in the context of the development activities that led to the consideration of the question “What makes an Entrepreneur?” and some of the current theories of entrepreneurship. The paper suggests that looking only for entrepreneurial traits is doomed to fail yet cannot be entirely discounted. Latest research suggests that entrepreneurs are very self‐aware and actively use this information whereas others, perhaps with the same level of self awareness, do nothing with it. This may be a crucial factor. The authors argue that entrepreneurship is a multidimensional construct and that EMAQ can give insight into whether a person might succeed as an entrepreneur.