Differences and similarities between key drivers of youth and senior starting entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern European countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT In Central and Eastern European countries, the generational gap between youth and seniors involved in entrepreneurship is a pending issue, yet the research covering the particularities of this problem is sparse. This article contributes to covering the gap in the literature by a/ studying key entrepreneurial factors that influence both the youth and seniors’ early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the CEE region; b/ identifying the key differences and similarities of studied age cohorts as a basis for further research and formulation of entrepreneurial policies. In this research paper, we use the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data. We employ multiple linear regression and ANOVA analysis. Our research suggests that well-designed government programmes in CEE countries are significant drivers for both age cohorts to improve their early-stage entrepreneurial activity. The historical background has a limited impact on youth in CEE countries while a weakening influence on seniors.