Abstract Book of the 9th World Conference on Management, Business and Economics
Year: 2026
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Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and The Role of Young Actors in Fostering Innovation
Zuzana Kapsdorferová, Petronela Švikruhová, Šimon Štráma, Dominika Čeryová
ABSTRACT:
Small and medium-sized enterprises are a cornerstone of every country’s economy, including that of the Slovak Republic. Their importance lies not only in job creation but also in fostering innovation, developing innovative potential, market flexibility, and regional development. SMEs are often the birthplace of new ideas and entrepreneurial initiatives, and they are key to the dynamism and competitiveness of the national economy. Understanding the environment in which a company operates is a fundamental prerequisite for formulating a strategy that will remain successful even as industry conditions change and will cope with competitive pressures. This article aims to examine the key factors of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that influence young people’s engagement in entrepreneurship in the Slovak Republic. The article examines the main drivers that motivate young people to start their own businesses, identifies the main barriers, push and pull factors for doing business, and presents the results of research conducted among young entrepreneurs.
Keywords: business environment, entrepreneurs’ skills, innovation process, institutional support, youth entrepreneurship