Title: The evolution of entrepreneurship forms and strategies in transition economies: the case of Romania

Authors: Calin Gurau, Leo-Paul Dana

Addresses: GSCM-Montpellier Business School, 2300, Avenue des Moulins, 34185 Montpellier Cedex 4, France. ' University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; GSCM-Montpellier Business School, France

Abstract: The countries engaged in a process of transition from a centrally planned economy to a free market business environment are evolving through a number of stages, each with specific characteristics in terms of legislation, availability of capital and entrepreneurial opportunities. In each of these periods, local entrepreneurs are forced to adopt a specific entrepreneurial strategy, which is determined by the combination of opportunities and constraints offered by the market, as well as by the general socioeconomic environment. Using a combination of secondary and primary data, this study explores the main elements (objectives, opportunities, challenges, type of activity, entrepreneurial strategies) defining the entrepreneurial approach that correspond to each phase of the transition period in Romania, as well as the factors that favour the continuity of entrepreneurial activity through the entire transition process.

Keywords: entrepreneurial strategies; transition economies; Romania; entrepreneurship; local entrepreneurs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2010.033052

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010 Vol.10 No.1, pp.131 - 147

Published online: 07 May 2010 *

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