Author(s):
1. Aneta Ptak-Chmielewska,

Abstract:
Abstract: In this paper we analyse the basic characteristics of entrepreneurship in Poland. The support of entrepreneurship needs research such as firms survival in the context of business demography. This information type is crucial for developing a good policy supporting the enterprise survival. Simultaneously, supplying such information is insufficient. Recently the interest in firms survival in Poland has increased significantly. To cover the need for more detailed data there was panel database used. The survey covers the five-year history of enterprises’ activity and the sample covers only enterprises employing initially fewer than 50 workers. In this paper only the sample of 2349 enterprises established in 2004 was selected. In results we can point out that micro enterprises were mostly self-employed owners. Cox regression semiparametric model with time constant and time varying variables was applied. Regarding demographic characteristics of the main owner a conclusion may be drawn, that an enterprise with a highly educated owner experienced in management had a lower liquidation risk. The entrepreneur with management experience increases chances of survival. Managerial abilities confirm the ability to convince a bank to grant a loan. If manager succeeded in acquiring the loan for a start the success is more probable. First-year investments in assets are also important, survival chances are increased and this effect accelerates with time. The first year was the most important because at that time the main drive for being on the market was observed. Regarding first-year supply barriers, this effect is positive, means liquidation chances are increased if the enterprise reports barriers, but the acceleration with time is in opposite direction. Supply barriers matter but at the beginning, their effect is not so important in subsequent years.

Key words:
entrepreneurship, firms survival, event history analysis, Cox model

Date of abstract submission:
06.09.2013.

Conference:
REDETE 2014 - Researching Economic Development and Entrepreneurship in Transition Economies