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Features of Successful Entrepreneurs in Estonia

Author

Listed:
  • Tiit Elenurm

    (Estonian Business School)

  • Ruth Alas

    (Estonian Business School)

Abstract

This paper is based on the E-World research programme focusing on international perspectives of entrepreneurship. In the first stage of this international research project, each country had to conduct focus groups in order to develop a preliminary list of traits and behavioural patterns of successful entrepreneurs. Focus groups combined with individual assessments were used for this task. The following features of successful entrepreneurs in Estonia in 2007 were pointed out most often by all categories of respondents: courage to take risks, openness to new information, flexibility, creativity and determination. Networking and acquiring capital, but also selecting the right team and following agreements were described as ways to success. The focus groups stressed some success factors that were seen as being more important for entrepreneurs operating in Estonia in 2007 than in the 1990s: broad world view, wide social network, innovativeness and creativity and lobbying within EU-related structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiit Elenurm & Ruth Alas, 2008. "Features of Successful Entrepreneurs in Estonia," Working Papers 169, Tallinn School of Economics and Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:ttu:wpaper:169
    as

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    File URL: http://deepthought.ttu.ee/majandus/tekstid/TUTWPE_08_169.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Urve Venesaar, 2006. "Entrepreneurship and small business research in Estonia: an overview," University of Tartu - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, in: Entrepreneurship in Estonia: policies, practices, education and research, volume 28, chapter 14, pages 270-296, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu (Estonia).
    4. David Smallbone & Urve Venesaar, 2006. "Estonian SMEs in the context of an enlarged Europe," University of Tartu - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, in: Entrepreneurship in Estonia: policies, practices, education and research, volume 28, chapter 2, pages 19-46, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu (Estonia).
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    entrepreneur; personality traits; image of entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial features; focus groups; business environment; networking; entrepreneurship training;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training

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