State support for entrepreneurship development: a cross-country comparative analysis

Abstract

Entrepreneurship can be considered as one of the major sources of economic growth. Often regarded
as crucial for the national economy, supporting entrepreneurial activity remains at the focus of
policymakers across the globe. This paper aims at providing an overview of state support policies for
entrepreneurship, presenting a benchmark for comparison between experiences of 30 countries with
different income level. Two research questions were posed regarding the difference of state support measures of entrepreneurship depending on income levels and policy implications for other countries. World
Bank’s classification of countries by income level – high-income, middle-income and low-income was
used in the selection of countries studied. Comparative analysis was chosen as an empirical scientific
research method, complemented by content analysis, synthesis, systematization and generalization. Research results show the features of each selected group, making it possible to draw up recommendations
for developing and least developed countries. The experience described in this paper will help to systemize
the current practice across countries, learn general patterns for further studies, provides grounds
for better policy-making and disseminates best-practice information for entrepreneurship development.

Key words: entrepreneurship, state support, cross-country analysis, comparative study.