Entrepreneurship Densities in APEC and Europe: How many entrepreneurs should there be in China, or other developing economies?

Abstract

It is a characteristic of most developed economies that they have about one entrepreneur-manager for every 20 people. However less developed economies, especially China, have far fewer entrepreneur-managers with private sector entrepreneurial experience. This paper reviews evidence from the economies of two main free trade areas; APEC and the European Community. It is shown that there is a complex correlation between the density of entrepreneurs, and the level of per capita income, unemployment levels, and GDP growth. It is argued that for China to compete in an environment of freer trade (which it is now committed to) it will need to create about 50 to 60 million more entrepreneurs over the next ten to twenty years.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chris Hall

As an editor I occassionally come across papers that come through the traditional referee process and are accordingly judged as worthy of publication for their contribution to scholarly advancement but that I feel also raise important issues for wider debate. This paper is one such contribution and I have chosen to highlight the paper by according it the special title of guest editorial. In my opinion the paper raises a number of important questions that need to be discussed within the research and practitioner community this journal serves. As always, that is not to say the paper represents the views of this journal, its publisher, or the organisation they represent (SEAANZ). What the paper does do is to raise the level of debate and it is to be hoped it prompts serious consideration of the issues it highlights. B.Gibson led.]