The post-entry performance of firms: Introduction

This article summarizes the contents of the special issue of the International Journal of Industrial Organization on the post-entry performance of firms, as well as placing it in the context of a growing literature on industry demographics. A series of studies focusing on the process of entry has led to the conclusion that what happens to firms subsequent to their entry is at least as important as the entry process itself. Understanding the post-entry performance of firms is important because it sheds light on the selection process of markets enabling some firms to survive and grow, while others stagnate and ultimately exit.