Category: Research Insight

How Family Business Succession Shapes Innovation in the Next Generation

Research on 16 family businesses reveals why some successors build on the previous generation’s innovations while others rarely or never innovate. EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was produced in Read more

Research on about 1.5 million patent renewal decisions shows how companies can balance current returns, future options, strategic fit, and the cost of keeping ideas alive. If your startup or small Read more

Two neighboring cities offered entrepreneurs many of the same resources—but produced very different outcomes. The difference may lie in how often founders exchange hard-won lessons, challenge one Read more

Favoritism may make it easier to get things done, especially in difficult business environments. But as cronyism increases, productive entrepreneurship falls and profiteering rises. Imagine you are Read more

'Family-Owned' or 'Family-Run'? The Words You Use Can Affect Customer Trust

Family businesses often promote their ownership and heritage to build trust. Research suggests that “family-run” may send a stronger message than “family-owned” — and that adding more Read more

Why the strongest startup cultures are not the least emotional ones, but the ones that know how to use emotion well. EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was produced in partnership with Strategic Read more

Working closely with women entrepreneurs increased entrepreneurial confidence in female college students —and made them more likely to begin their careers at young firms. EDITOR'S NOTE: This Read more

The Biggest Risk to Family Wealth Isn't Investment Performance—It's Succession

Family offices excel at managing money but often overlook the greatest threat to multigenerational success: poorly planned succession. Here's how they can help. Family offices have gained increasing Read more

Should You Make 'Family Owned' Part of Your Brand?

Family ownership can build trust, credibility, and customer loyalty—but only when it reinforces something stakeholders value. Here are five questions to ask first. Family businesses often face an Read more

A Family Illness Can Infect the Business, Too

Serious health problems can disrupt leadership, finances, customer relationships, and more. New research shows how family firms can prevent illness from becoming a business crisis. Family businesses Read more