De Gruyter Handbook of Sociology of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and innovation are pivotal drivers of economic growth and societal progress, yet they are inherently risky endeavors. This chapter explores the role of field experiments in understanding and improving these risky processes, bridging the gap between controlled studies and real-world complexities. Through a critical review of existing literature, it shows how field experiments advance our understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute to mitigating key frictions in these areas. Organized into frameworks, it categorizes existing studies to facilitate systematic understanding and identify opportunities for future research, paving the way for more effective strategies and interventions in these critical domains. The authors’ experience is drawn upon in discussing practical considerations in designing and implementing field experiments, offering insights often overlooked in experimental articles.