ABSTRACT
Determinants of entrepreneurship development have in recent years become a crucial issue discussed by scientists focused on the eld of economy. This interest stems from Schumpeter’s (1934) belief that entrepreneurial activities not only make economic development more dynamic but also inuence the richness and quality of individual lives, as well as whole local communities. The main reason, mentioned by numerous authors, is the increased signicance of small-and mediumsized enterprises for the economic condition of economies (Noga 2001). It is estimated that in Europe itself, there are 23 million SMEs that generate 67% of employment in the private sector (European Commission SEC 2006). In Poland, according to the REGON Registry/Business Statistical Registry, in 2009, there were 3.75 million small companies registered, out of which 99.9% were micro-, small-, and medium-sized companies that jointly constitute almost 50% of the Polish national gross product and employ about 70% of all people employed in the economy (Mały Rocznik Statystyczny Polski 2010). Therefore, it is this sector, and to be more precise, the attitudes
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 483 Can Culture Inuence Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development? .......................................484 Are We Prodevelopmental? Cultural Determinants of the SME Sector in Poland ........................488
