Global Entrepreneurship Monitor

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. It is a major international research consortium dedicated to studying and analyzing entrepreneurial activity, aspirations, and attitudes across the globe. Founded in 1997 as a joint project between Babson College and the London Business School, it has grown to include hundreds of researchers in participating countries. The project provides annual data and reports that are used by governments, international organizations like the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and academic institutions to inform policy and understand economic development dynamics.

Overview

The initiative was conceived by academics Michael Hay and Paul D. Reynolds to address a lack of consistent, cross-national data on entrepreneurship. Its consortium is coordinated by a team based primarily at Babson College in the United States, with regional hubs and national teams conducting surveys in member countries. Core activities involve surveying thousands of adults and national experts annually to capture data on entrepreneurial behaviors and the prevailing entrepreneurial ecosystem. This data has become a benchmark for comparing entrepreneurial vitality between nations such as Chile, Indonesia, and Germany, influencing programs like Startup Chile and the European Innovation Council.

Methodology

The research employs a harmonized methodology combining two main survey instruments: the Adult Population Survey (APS) and the National Expert Survey (NES). The APS interviews a representative sample of at least 2,000 adults in each participating economy, capturing data on individual involvement in starting or running new businesses. The NES gathers qualitative assessments from experts in fields like venture capital, R&D, and education policy to evaluate the national framework conditions. This dual approach allows for analysis of both entrepreneurial activity and the contextual factors within environments like Silicon Valley or Bangalore. Data is standardized to enable comparisons across diverse economies from Qatar to South Africa.

Key Findings and Reports

Annual reports highlight global trends, such as the prevalence of early-stage entrepreneurial activity and the impact of phenomena like the COVID-19 pandemic. Special topic reports have focused on women’s entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and the role of digital technology. Key publications often reveal disparities between regions, noting high activity in parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa compared to more established economies in Europe and East Asia. The data frequently identifies national leaders in specific areas, such as the United Arab Emirates for supportive policy or Israel for high-tech startup density, providing evidence for initiatives like Smart Dubai.

Impact and Criticism

The data has significantly impacted economic policy and academic research worldwide, serving as a primary source for institutions like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Governments from Singapore to Rwanda have used its indicators to shape national innovation strategies and programs such as Rwanda’s National Innovation Agency. Criticism has centered on methodological challenges in comparing vastly different cultures and economies, the potential oversimplification of complex entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the focus on quantity over quality of ventures. Some scholars argue it may not fully capture informal sector activity prevalent in countries like India or Nigeria.

National and Regional Studies

Beyond global reports, numerous in-depth national and regional studies are produced by local teams. These studies provide detailed analysis of entrepreneurial conditions within specific contexts, such as the dynamics in Nordic countries or the growth of entrepreneurship in the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Researchers in Japan and South Korea have used the data to examine societal attitudes toward business failure, while teams in Brazil and Mexico have studied the effects of microfinance and regulatory changes. These localized insights complement the broader global data, offering nuanced understanding for regional bodies like the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Category:Economic research Category:Entrepreneurship organizations