Entrepreneurship Policy in Estonia

Kuura, Arvi (2006): Entrepreneurship Policy in Estonia. Published in: (2006): pp. 457-477.

Abstract

The main task of this article is to explore the entrepreneurship policy in Estonia. The
idea proceeds from the book by Lundström and Stevenson (2001), in which the
authors describe, analyse and discuss the development of entrepreneurship policy in
ten economies — six EU Member States and four members of APEC. In some
respects, this article strives to be a “missing chapter” in the aforementioned book
concerning entrepreneurship policy in Estonia. It should be considered as an attempt
to apply their approach to a country without a long history in SME development.
The article starts with an overview of the theoretical background and goes on to
examine entrepreneurship policy (or even economic policy) in Estonia. Examination
of SME / entrepreneurship policy documents shows that Estonia is moving towards
entrepreneurship policy, but with certain minor reservations. The current Estonian
entrepreneurship policy may be regarded as a combination of an extension to SME
policy and a holistic policy, the trend of development is towards the latter. The “old”
(effective in 2002–2006) policy was almost SME policy and has been mentioned as
a basis in the new (for 2007–2013) policy document, which is being prepared now.
The policy structures followed the vertical model in the period 1996–2000 (and also
earlier), but now Estonia is moving towards a horizontal or multi-ministerial model.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Additional Information: http://www-1.mtk.ut.ee/varska/2006/4_Ettevotluspoliitika/Kuura.pdf
• Language: English
• Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurship Policy
• Subjects: L - Industrial Organization > L5 - Regulation and Industrial Policy > L53 - Government Promotion of Firms
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