INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP - Key Persons

In 2000, Paula Fitzsimons made a decision to concentrate her consultancy, Fitzsimons Consulting, in areas related to entrepreneurship. This decision was made in light of a clear recognition of the benefits that flow from entrepreneurship for the wider economy and for the individual entrepreneur. That same year, Paula identified the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) as offering the means to obtain unique research on the level of entrepreneurial activity within a county, the background and personal context of the entrepreneurs, the relevant social and cultural norms and the broader environment for entrepreneurship. The standard way in which the research was carried out meant that comparisons across countries were possible. At that stage the first GEM report had just been published and there were 10 countries involved in the research. Nothing quite like it existed previously and Paula saw its potential to inform policy and the design and development of appropriate supports for entrepreneurs. With Paula Fitzsimons as national co-ordinator and with the support of what subsequently became the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship, Ireland became involved in GEM for the first time in 2000. There are now over 60 countries involved in annual GEM research cycles. Informed by GEM research and with access to the expertise available across the GEM network of countries, Fitzsimons Consulting has positioned itself to the fore in the area of entrepreneurship, understanding the needs of entrepreneurs, the environment for entrepreneurship, policy and programme priorities, as well as academic research in the area. Paula Fitzsimons designed and developed Going for Growth, an initiative to support women entrepreneurs focused on growth. The initiative, now in its fourth cycle, is funded by the European Social Fund, Enterprise Ireland and the Equality for Women Measure, Department of Justice and Equality and managed by Fitzsimons Consulting.