Researchers purposely chose smaller ventures since entrepreneurs and employees are in more frequent contact with each other.

FORBES: When It's OK to Light The 'Fire of Desire' at Work

Leaving MCI in 2000, two years after its calamitous merger with WorldCom, Duffy nurtured smaller ventures, including a string of comedy clubs and real estate investments, while keeping an eye out for talent to run the next company.

FORBES: America's Most Promising Company Is Redefining Mobile: Meet 3Cinteractive

All the big companies presented on Monday, which left the much more sparsely attended Tuesday sessions to be held by the smaller players, ranging from transmission ventures and auto suppliers to this one, a presentation by an electric vehicle enterprise, Venturi, based in the tiny principality of Monte Carlo that is just now starting its first American venture.

FORBES: Written by Jim Motavalli