Entrepreneurial Skills as a Factor of Growth and Resilience for SMEs in Knowledge-Intensive Industries

This chapter discusses the importance of entrepreneurship skills in the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in knowledge-intensive industries. First, we explain the theoretical frame and recent research approaches on entrepreneurship as a competence and as a factor for positive performance, innovation and competitiveness especially for small enterprises, within a national or regional innovation ecosystem. Subsequently, the findings of a case study based on qualitative methods and interviews with entrepreneurs, founders and managers, as well as “experts”, are presented, identifying skill needs and emerging skills, skills that will become more important in the future, in the context of technological transformation and post-pandemic globalization. Employed methodology is based on the European EntreComp Framework and showcases the cognitive aspects of entrepreneurship in a moderate innovative region of the EU (Crete, Greece). The findings indicate that values, attitudes and skills, such as self-awareness, adaptability and experiential learning, are perceived as the most critical for small business growth and resilience. Furthermore, there is a need for upskilling, through education and training programmes, focused on the needs of SMEs, on business ethics and sustainability, risk and decision analysis, the interpretation of the business environment, ideas valuation, and financial and human resource management.