PORTFOLIO

This research project examines entrepreneurial dynamics in Georgia through a longitudinal study following both potential and existing entrepreneurs. 'Entrepreneurship' is defined here as a process from intention to action that may lead to the creation of an enterprise (formal or informal). Understood in this way, it should therefore be studied from an evolutionary perspective and, in consequence, should grasp the following points:

1. How entrepreneurs move from the so-called 'unobserved' to the observed economy (the emergence of entrepreneurs);
2. The development and growth of entreprises, including micro-enterprises (the evolution of entreprises).

In order to accomplish this, the project demands sequential observations from a selected group of respondents. These participants are then asked the same questions about the visions they have, obstacles they face and the possibility of enhancing factors from which they benefit. This research proposal focuses on entrepreneurship (embedded or not embedded within enterprises) and how it interacts with institutional, economic, cultural and social environments. In other words, the project attempts to decipher the different barriers and incentives (psychological, sociological, environmental and material) on the road to entrepreneurship. The interplay between available resources, perceived opportunities and socio-economic institutions, in conjunction with the motivation and vision of entrepreneurs, together shape 'entrepreneurship' as it is emerging in Georgia.

Both the object of the research and the way it will be carried out makes this project special.
1. It researches a neglected layer of the Georgian economic landscape: Even though self-employment constitutes half of the work force of Georgia and account to about 18% of GDP, there are few data and information about that important layer of the Georgian economic landscape.
2. It does so with a specific methodology: longitudinal panel observation is a methodology that will shed light on dynamics of entrepreneurship.
Moreover, as a sort of «observatory of entrepreneurship» in transition countries, this project is interdisciplinary and has a great potential to build synergies with other social sciences disciplines.

The methodology and the questionnaire have been set up. The first and second round of observations through face to face and semi-structured interview took place in July 2013 and February 2014 respectively. Geostat, the Georgian Statistical Agency interviewed, for each round, 350 self-employed and 250 micro and small enterprises in three regions: Tbilisi, Kakheti and Adjara. It is the first time that data on self-employed and small enterprises specifically had been gathered. It gave the occasion to present preliminary results in seminars and conferences in Tbilisi in May 2014.

«Entrepreneurship in Georgia» in Caucasus Analytical Digest, ETHZ publication, No. 45, December 2012. http://www.css.ethz.ch/publications/pdfs/CAD-45.pdf

«Le maquillage néoliberal de l’économie géorgienne», Le monde diplomatique, 28.09.2012. http://blog.mondediplo.net/2012-09-28-Le-maquillage-neoliberal-de-l-economie-georgienne
«The emergence of entrepreneurship in Georgia» in Democracy and Freedom Watch http://dfwatch.net/emergence-of-entrepreneurship-in-georgia-75076

Georgian TV
http://maestro.ge/menu_id/12/id/1747/lang/1

Web exposures
http://www.crrc.ge/208151/WiP-The-Emergence-and-Evolution-of-Entrepreneurship-in-Georgia-May-28-Philippe-Rudaz
http://eprc.ge/index.php?a=main&pid=5&lang=eng
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.759504197435815.1073741844.130278650358376&type=1