DETERMINANTS OF NASCENT ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES: THE ITALIAN CASE

This paper investigates the factors affecting the start up or not of entrepreneurial activities in Italy by focusing on the role played by some socio-demographic and entrepreneurial characteristics during 2001-2010. The paper presents a quantitative analysis of new business process in Italy by using data come from the Italian Adults Population Survey of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Results show that nascent entrepreneurs in Italy have a lower likelihood of having more than 45 years old respect to non nascent entrepreneurs, a higher likelihood for appertaining to the lowest income level and that are less likely to declare that they do not have the skills for entrepreneurship. Fostering entrepreneurship (especially among females and youth) and enhancing entrepreneurial attitudes and skills could represent an important way to add variety to the Italian economic process, enhance competitiveness, and fully realize its innovation potential. However, there are also structural barriers that influence the propensity to become a Nascent Entrepreneur. Policy makers should address context-specific tools favoring venture creation, especially introducing incentives for female and young entrepreneurs, and supporting the development of entrepreneurial networks