Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Croatia: An Analysis of Gem, Gii, and The Eu Scoreboard
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62598/JVA.12.1.5.27Keywords:
innovativeness, entrepreneurial environment, Croatia, GII, EISAbstract
Purpose: The study analyzes empirical indicators of entrepreneurial and innovation activity in
Croatia based on a comparison of secondary data (GEM, GII, EIS), with the aim of identifying key structural
barriers and providing a systematic overview of the state of the entrepreneurial and innovation environment,
with implications for public policy.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs a quantitative approach based on secondary data analysis
from three databases: GEM, GII and EIS for the period 2018–2023, using descriptive statistics, comparative
analysis, time series analysis, and correlation analysis (including lag 1 correlation).
Findings: The analysis of the NECI index, GII and EIS indicates improvements in the quality of the
entrepreneurial and innovation environment, but it remains signifi cantly below the EU average. A restrictive
entrepreneurial environment with pronounced structural and other problems still prevails. Key implications
for public policy include: reform of the entrepreneurial institutional framework, systematic strengthening
of R&D transfer, development of the innovation ecosystem, and strengthening entrepreneurial competencies
through the education system.
Originality/value: The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Croatia’s entrepreneurial environment
based on internationally comparable GEM methodology, integrating the NECI index and innovativeness
indicators (GII, EIS) into a unique framework, enabling deeper understanding of structural barriers and
providing guidelines for public policy creation.
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