A comparative study of net entrepreneurial productivity in developed and post-transition economies

Abstract

The paper develops net entrepreneurial productivity (NEP) as a complex latent construct of second order composed of productive, unproductive and destructive entrepreneurial activity. Its parameters were estimated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method in the selected 15 developed and 7 post-transition economies for the average values in the period 2006-2013. The results unveil the direct and indirect effects between entrepreneurial activities, and between entrepreneurial activities and NEP, as well as that the level of NEP and productive entrepreneurial activity in developed economies is at a higher level compared with post-transition economies. The results suggest that for NEP and productive entrepreneurship to take place, regardless of the group of economies considered, an effective institutional environment that supports human capital development, fair competition and transparency should be established and maintained before developing more specific entrepreneurial programs and policies.