Entrepreneurs of the sky: Case studies on entrepreneurial learning from the early British aviation industry

Abstract

This study compares and contrasts the career pathways and entrepreneurial behaviour of four successful pioneers of British aviation, to understand the patterns in how they used the means available to them to engage quickly and meaningfully, primarily in an explorative way. The study found particularly in Britain, that communities of practice established through apprenticeships, airshows and hobby groups in the emerging area were important for founding pioneers providing access to resources and knowledge that allowed them to effectively learn. Models of entrepreneurial learning and career development in emerging industries may better demonstrate how experience and learning through communities of practice can contribute to entrepreneurial success.