PORTEFEUILLE

This research project examines entrepreneurial dynamics in Armenia 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 enterprises, including micro-enterprises (the evolution of enterprises).

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, as it is emerging in Armenia. .

The project relies upon several partners in Armenia to collect, use and interpret the necessary data; thus involving research institutes and universities, development agencies and the private sector. Intermediate results from the first round of interviews have been produced in November 2016 at the ASCN Final Conference. A detailed analysis will be discussed in a round table organized in Mai 2017 in Yerevan with key stakeholders.

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 Armenian economic landscape.
(the large population active in the informal sector and own account worker which together constitutes more than half of the work force of Armenia and account to about 20% of GDP).
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.

- First Round of Interviews: March 2016
- Preliminary analysis: November 2016
- Roundtable and seminars: Mai 2017

Kaukasischer Käfigtiger, Schweizer Monat, December 2015
Foreign Direct Investment in the Caucasus, CAD, March 2016