ABSTRACT
Entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as a key component of regional competitiveness. Central and Eastern Europe has faced a particularly difficult legacy due to the stifling influence of the socialist system. However, the post-1990 entrepreneurial boom has also produced important changes, which are found not only in the number of new enterprises, but also a range of qualitative factors. The chapter uses quantitative methods to investigate entrepreneurial activity across CEE as well as the characteristics of regional socio-economic environments which foster or hinder business growth. The findings highlight the relevance of higher education, as well as existing firm density in influencing regional entrepreneurial performance.
