The case of the European south on entrepreneurship enhancement policies

Abstract

Purpose: This paper intends to give an introductory presentation and analysis, from a unifying perspective, of the different ways in which countries in the European South are pursuing policies to foster entrepreneurship and improve the business environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: By looking at Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Greece, and using World Bank data through the “Doing Business” reports, this article intends to identify policies of entrepreneurship enhancement from 2008 onwards by classifying them in terms of micro-meso-macro analysis, trying to find out possible convergences and divergences. Findings: The findings of the study suggest a combination of micro- and macro-level policies with the meso-level being relatively under-utilised. Practical implications: The findings of the research introduce a need for a repositioned perception of the policies of entrepreneurship enhancement. The form of national entities as a “competitiveness web” of the different sub-system is heading towards this direction. Originality/Value: The study can contribute to the academic debate of exploring policies to foster entrepreneurship by conceptualising them through a multi-level filter.