Evaulating the role of EU funding in enhancing Startup growth and adressing egional inequities

Abstract

Startups drive innovation but face funding and expansion challenges, which EU funding aims to address. A research gap exists in evaluating the long-term performance of EU-funded startups, particularly in measuring growth rates, survival rates, and market expansion. The study investigates the research question: To what extent do EU funding programs impact the growth and sustainability of startups across member states? Research hypothesis: (H1) EU funding significantly improves the growth and sustainability of startups, and (H2) significant regional disparities exist, with Northern and Western Europe benefiting more than Eastern and Southern regions. Both hypotheses were confirmed. A quantitative methodology using secondary data sources assessed performance indicators before and after funding. EU funding positively influences startup growth, improving revenue, employment, and sustainability but with persistent regional disparities. The study's limitations include limited qualitative insights, while recommending region-specific EU funding strategies for balanced growth.
Keywords: EU funding; startup growth; regional inequalities; sustainability.