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Dr Richard Blundel

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Senior Lecturer in Enterprise Development

Dr Richard Blundel is a member of The Open University's Centre for Public Leadership and Social Enterprise.

You can email Dr Richard Blundel directly; but for media enquiries please contact a member of The Open University's Media Relations team.

Staff profile

See below for Dr Richard Blundel's:

Biography

Richard joined The Open University from Brunel University in July 2009.  He studied at the London School of Economics (BSc (Econ)), Bradford University (MBA) and The University of Birmingham (PhD).  Prior to taking up an academic career, he worked in a large local authority, a central government organisation, a specialist marketing research consultancy and a diversified multinational firm. As part of his current role, Richard is editor of the Quarterly Survey of Small Business in Britain.  He is a board member of the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE), co-chair of ISBE's conference track, 'Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise', and on the orgainsing committee of  the 'Social and Sustainable Enterprise Network'. He is also an associate of the OU's inter-faculty Centre for Innovation, Knowledge and Development (IKD).

Teaching interests

Richard's main teaching interests are in entrepreneurship and innovation.  He chairs the MBA elective module BB846: Entrepreneurship: Experience and Perspective (course extract now available on OpenLearn) and was previously chair of B322: Investigating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. He is currently contributing to the design of a new Open University module, T317: Innovation: Designing for Change. Richard is the author (with Nigel Lockett, University of Leeds) of Exploring Entrepreneurship: Practices and Perspectives (Oxford University Press, 2011) and has also written (with Kate Ippolito, Royal College of Physicians, and David Donnarumma, Trinity College, London), Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, Principles and Practices (4th edition) (Pearson, 2013).  He also has experience as an external assessor on programme validation panels, including Royal Holloway, University of London (MSc Entrepreneurship), Cardiff University (MSc Strategy and Entrepreneurship) and Richmond International University (BSc Business (Entrepreneurship) with Combined Studies).

Research interests

Richard's research has been in the fields of organisation studies, entrepreneurship and innovation. He has published in international journals such as Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Enterprise & Society, Industry & Innovation, The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Business Ethics: A European Review, and Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation, and has a forthcoming article in  the Journal of Small Business Management (details available here). His work has included studies of network relationships and the growth process in small artisanal food businesses, manufacturing firms and social enterprises. In recent years, he has developed interests in public policies for SMEs and enterprise development, the role of entrepreneurial actors in sustainability transitions, and emerging models of 'socially responsible' enterprise.  Richard is co-editor (with Sarah Underwood, Fergus Lyon and Anja Schaefer) of Social and Sustainable Enterprise: Changing the Nature of Business, Volume 2 in the series 'Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research' (Emerald, 2012).  Two co-authored book chapters were also published recently: 'Promoting environmentally sustainable enterprises: some policy options.' In: Robert Blackburn and Michael Schaper (eds.) Government, SMEs and Entrepreneurship Development: Policy, Practice and Challenges. (Gower, 2012), and 'Enterprise education for small artisanal businesses: A case study of Sokoban Wood Village, Ghana.' In: Mai Thi Thanh Thai and Ekaterina Turkina (eds.) Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy: Models, Approaches and Perspectives for Economic Development. (Routledge, 2012). 

Impact and engagement

Research findings and case studies from the Quarterly Survey of Small Firms in Britain attract regular media coverage and are drawn on by industrial organisations, policy makers and researchers.  The  research team undertakes commissioned studies for organisations such as the Professional Oversight Board for Accountants (POBA) and the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA). Quarterly Survey data is aggregated into UEAPME's EU Craft and SME Barometer.  Richard has conducted follow-up interviews with studio guests as part of the BBC/OU co-production, The Bottom Line: Perween Warsi, CEO of S&A Foods, Warren East, CEO of processor designers, ARM Holdings, and Richard Farleigh, investor, entrepreneur, and former 'Dragon'.  He was also a member of the judging panel for the Shell LiveWIRE 'Grand Ideas' Awards (September 2012).

External contributions

Richard is a board member of the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) and co-chair of ISBE's conference track, 'Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise'.  He is also a member of ACCA's UK SME Forum. In recent years, he has been involved in organising, with Professor Colin Gray, a one day Leadership Academy event, 'Entrepreneurial Leading Out of Recession' (28th January 2010), and with Dr Anja Schaefer and Dr Jackie Fry, the ISBE SSEN event, 'Where next for sustainable enterprise?: policy and research perspectives (20th September 2011).  Richard has an active interest in local sustainability initiatives, including the UK's Superhomes project and the Great British Refurb. In 2010 he co-presented a short OpenLearn podcast with Dr Tina Fawcett, discussing their family's experience of retrofitting a traditional Edwardian house to achieve a 60%+ reduction in energy demand and associated carbon emissions.

International collaborations

Richard is an assciate of the cross-faculty centre for Innovation, Knowledge and Development (IKD).  He was been a member of the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills funded ABLE-Ghana initiative (2010-2011), collaborating with colleagues from five Ghanaian universities on employability and entrepreneurial learning issues and subsequently acted as OU sponsor for an International Visiting Fellowship held by Dr Bernard Obeng, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (2012).  Richard is also a member of the Sustainable Transitions Research Network, an international community of researchers and policy-makers engaged in socio-technical transitions studies.

Areas of expertise

  • entrepreneurship
  • innovation
  • environmental sustainability
  • small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • commercial and social enterprise
  • organisational communication
  • artisanal firms

Research student supervision

Publications

Journal papers
Blundel, R, Smith, DJ  (2013)  'Re-inventing artisanal knowledge and practice: a critical review of innovation in a craft-based industry', Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation. Abstract
Blundel, R, Monaghan, A, Thomas, C  (2013)  'SMEs and environmental responsibility: a policy perspective', Business Ethics: A European Review. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2013)  'Beyond strategy: a critical review of Penrose’s ‘single argument’ and its implications for economic development', The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, pp. (In press). Abstract
Obeng, B, Blundel, R  (2012)  'Evaluating enterprise policy interventions in Africa: a critical review of Ghanaian small business support services', Journal of Small Business Management, pp. (in press). Abstract
Clark, P, Blundel, R  (2007)  'Penrose, critical realism and the evolution of business knowledge: a methodological reappraisal', Management & Organizational History, vol. 2, issue 1, pp. 45-62. Abstract
Blundel, R, Tregear, A  (2006)  'From artisans to "factories": the interpenetration of craft and industry in English cheese-making, c1650-1950', Enterprise & Society, vol. 7, issue 4, pp. 705-739. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2006)  'Managing ‘collisions’ between entrepreneurial networks and industrial supply chains: a modified Penrosian perspective', International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, vol. 2, issue 1, pp. 82-97. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2006)  '‘Little ships’: the co-evolution of technological capabilities and industrial dynamics in competing innovation networks', Industry and Innovation, vol. 13, issue 3, pp. 313-334. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2005)  'Explaining cluster responses to globalization: the case of volume yacht manufacturing in Europe', Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, vol. 17, issue 6, pp. 405-429. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2002)  'Network evolution and the growth of artisanal firms: a tale of two regional cheesemakers', Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, vol. 14, issue 1, pp. 1-30. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Hingley, MK  (2001)  'Exploring growth in vertical inter-firm relationships: small-medium firms supplying multiple food retailers', Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 8, issue 3, pp. 245-265. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2000)  'Book review: Knowledge societies: information technology for sustainable development', Journal of Management Studies, vol. 37, issue 5, pp. 771-774.
Blundel, R  (2000)  'Book review: Mobilizing resources and generating competencies: the remarkable success of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Danish business system', Journal of Management Studies, vol. 37, issue 8, pp. 1244-1247.
Books
Blundel, R, Ippolito, K, Donnarumma, D  (2013)  'Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, principles and practices (4th edition).', Harlow, Pearson, pp. 440. Abstract
Underwood, Sarah, Blundel, Richard, Lyon, Fergus, Schaefer, Anja (eds)  (2012)  'Social and Sustainable Enterprise: Changing the Nature of Business', vol. 2, Bradford, Emerald. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Lockett, N  (2011)  'Exploring Entrepreneurship: Practices and Perspectives', Oxford, Oxford University Press, pp. 464. Abstract
Blundel, R, Ippolito, K  (2008)  'Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, principles and practices (3rd edition)', Financial Times, Harlow, Pearson Education Limited, pp. 448. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2004)  'Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, Principles and Practices (2nd edition)', Harlow, Financial Times / Prentice Hall, pp. 384. Abstract
Book chapters
Obeng, BA, Blundel, RK, Agyapong, A  (2012)  'Enterprise education for small artisanal businesses: a case study of Sokoban Wood Village, Ghana', Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy: Models, Approaches and Prospects for Economic Development, London, Routledge, pp. (In press). Abstract
Underwood, S, Blundel, R, Lyon, F, Schaefer, A  (2012)  'Introducing social and sustainable enterprise: changing the nature of business', Social and Sustainable Enterprise: Changing the Nature of Business, vol. 2, Bingley, Emerald Group Publishing, pp. xi-xv. Abstract
Blundel, R, Monaghan, A, Thomas, C  (2012)  'Promoting environmentally sustainable enterprises: some policy options', Government, SMEs and Entrepreneurship Development: Policy, Practice and Challenges, Farnham, Gower, pp. (In Press). Abstract
Blundel, RK, Spence, LJ, Zerbinati, S  (2010)  'Entrepreneurial social responsibility: scoping the territory.', Ethics in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: a global commentary, Dordrecht, NL, Springer, pp. 123-145. Abstract
Blundel, RK  (2007)  'Critical realism: a suitable vehicle for entrepreneurship research?', Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Entrepreneurship, Cheltenham, Edward Elgar, pp. 49-74. Abstract
Reports
Blundel, RK, Smith, D  (2001)  'Business networking: SMEs and inter-firm collaboration: a review of the literature', Research Report, issue RR003/01, Sheffield, Small Business Service.
Blundel, RK, Smith, D  (2001)  'Business networking: SMEs and inter-firm collaboration: research-based case studies', Sheffield, Small Business Service.
Conference papers
Williams, S, Schaefer, A, Blundel, R  (2012)  'Engaging SMEs with business greening: the role of manager values', Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) 2012 Conference, Dublin, Ireland (forthcoming). Abstract
Blundel, R, Lyon, F  (2012)  'The long view: applying historically informed approaches to study the growth of social ventures', 2012 Research Colloquium on Social Entrepreneurship, Said Business School, The University of Oxford (forthcoming). Abstract
Monaghan, A, Blundel, R, Thomas, C  (2012)  'Policies to promote environmental responsibility in SMEs: a case-based review', 18th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Conference, University of Hull, UK (forthcoming). Abstract
Blundel, R, Obeng, B, Agyapong, A  (2012)  'Promoting resilience and sustainability amongst informal sector artisans: the case of Sokoban Wood Village', Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference: Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise Track, Dublin, Ireland (forthcoming). Abstract
Blundel, R, Lyon, F, Spence, LJ  (2011)  'Analyzing the growth process in social enterprises: an historical perspective', 3rd EMES International Research Conference on Social Enterprise: Social Innovation through Social Entrepreneurship in Civil Society: EMES Selected Papers Series, Roskilde, Denmark. Abstract
Blundel, R, Monaghan, A, Thomas, C  (2011)  'Evaluating the role of enterprise policies in purposive sustainability transitions: a case-based comparison', Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) 2011 Conference, Sheffield, England. Abstract
Schaefer, A, Williams, S, Blundel, R  (2011)  'SMEs’ construction of climate change risks: the role of networks and values', SMEs: Moving Towards Sustainable Development, International Conference, Montreal, Canada. Abstract
Blundel, R, Monaghan, A  (2011)  'Teaching tigers to dance?: Evaluating the role of enterprise policies in purposive sustainability transitions', 2nd International Conference on Sustainability Transitions: Diversity, Plurality and Change: Breaking New Grounds in Sustainablility Transition Research, Lund University, Sweden. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Spence, LJ, Lyon, F  (2010)  'The evolution and growth dynamics of social enterprises: historical and contextual perspectives', The 33rd Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Annual Conference (ISBE): Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise track., London. Abstract
Blundel, RK  (2010)  'Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise', Enterprising Matters, August.
Blundel, RK, Spence, LJ  (2009)  'Entrepreneurial dynamics and social responsibility: mapping an expanded intellectual territory', Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 32nd International Conference: Social, Environmental and Ethical Enterprise Track, Liverpool, UK. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Monaghan, A  (2009)  'Ships passing in the night?: re-thinking the relationship between entrepreneurial agency and purposive transitions', First European Conference on Sustainability Transitions: ‘Dynamics & Governance of Transitions to Sustainability’, Amsterdam. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Spence, LJ, Zerbinati, S  (2008)  'From CSR to ESR?: exploring the entrepreneurial dimensions of corporate social responsibility', The International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics (ISBEE) World Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.
Blundel, RK  (2008)  'Will there be blood?: entrepreneurial judgement and strategic choice in Chandlerian and revisionist narratives of industrialisation', Association of Business Historians Conference, University of Birmingham, UK. Abstract
Blundel, RK, Fawcett, T  (2006)  'Critical perspectives on climate change and organisations: the historical contribution', Association of Business Historians Conference, Queen Mary, University of London, 16 - 17 June.
Clark, PA, Maielli, G, Blundel, RK  (2006)  'The limits to universalism in OLKC: national cultural repertoires, intangible specialization and Penrosian learning', International Conference on Organisational Learning, Knowledge and Capabilities, University of Warwick, 20 - 22 March.
Blundel, RK  (2005)  'Little ships: the transformation of small boat building in England, 1925- 1975', Association of Business Historians Conference. University of Glasgow, 27 - 28 May.
Blundel, RK  (2005)  'Penrose, critical realism and the evolution of business knowledge: a methodological reappraisal', British Academy of Management Conference, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, 13 - 15 September.
Blundel, RK, Clark, PA  (2004)  'Blurred boundaries and contingently finite zones of manouevre: modifying the Penrosian framework', Shifting Boundaries: Governance, Competence and Economic Organisation in the Knowledge Economy, Bristol, 2 -3 September.
Blundel, RK  (2003)  'Applying multi-level analysis to small business growth processes: a review of analytically structured narrative and network mapping techniques', Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Conference, University of Surrey, 3 -4 April.
Blundel, RK  (2003)  'Entrepreneurship research in a multi-level perspective: combining analytically structured narrative with network mapping sequences', Interdisciplinary European Conference on Entrepreneurship Research (IECER), University of Regensburg, Germany, 13 - 14 February.
Blundel, RK, Thatcher, M  (2003)  'Explaining differential responses to globalization: the case of volume yacht manufacturing in four European clusters', Conference on Clusters, Industrial Districts and Firms: The Challenge of Globalization (Conference in honour of Professor Sebastiano Brusco), University of Modena, Italy, 12 -13 September.
Blumberg, B, Blundel, RK, Staber, U  (2002)  'Exploring the impact of initial resource endowments on entrepreneurial network connectivity and dynamics', European Group for Organizational Studies 18th Colloquium, Barcelona, 4 - 6 July.
Blundel, RK  (2002)  'Reproducing artisanal knowledge in the new economy: a case study of English farmhouse cheese making 1850-2000', Danish Research Unit for Industrial Dynamics (DRUID) Summer Conference. Elsinore, 6 - 8 June.
Blundel, R  (2002)  'Reproducing artisanal knowledge in the New Economy: a case study of English farmhouse cheese making, 1850-2000', Danish Research Unit for Industrial Dynamics (DRUID) Summer Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract
Blundel, RK  (2001)  'Artisanal knowledge and network evolution: a tale of two regional cheese makers, 1950-2000', Managing Knowledge: Conversations and Critiques, University of Leicester.
Blundel, RK  (2001)  'Entrepreneurial agency in business networks: an exploration of process', European Group for Organizational Studies 17th Colloquium, Lyon, 5 - 7 July.
Other
Blundel, R  (2010)  'Book review: Strategy without design: the silent efficacy of indirect action.', Business History, vol. 52, issue 6, pp. 1022-1024.
Blundel, RK, Ramirez, M, Nye, S  (2010)  'Climate Solidarity: A Review of Methodologies to Monitor and Evaluate Workplace Engagement', London, Defra. Abstract
Blundel, R  (2009)  'Book review: Entrepreneurship, growth and public policy: prelude to a knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship', International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, vol. 15, issue 3, pp. 309-312.
Blundel, R  (2008)  'Book review: The Oxford handbook of entrepreneurship', Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, vol. 20, issue 5, pp. 485-487.
Blundel, R  (2008)  'Book review: three decades of the enterprise culture: entrepreneurship, economic regeneration and public policy', International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, vol. 14, issue 6, pp. 455-467.
Blundel, R  (2005)  'Book review: the nature and dynamics of organizational capabilities', Business History, vol. 47, issue 3, pp. 487-489.
Blundel, R  (2005)  'Book review: Understanding industrial and corporate change', Business History, vol. 47, issue 4, pp. 487-489.
Blundel, RK  (2003)  'The growth of 'connected' firms: a re-appraisal of Penrosian theory and its application to artisanal firms operating in contemporary business networks', Richard Blundel. Abstract