Entrepreneurial Intentions in Transitional Economies: Insights from Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine

This book examines entrepreneurial intentions across three post-communist economies-Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine-offering insights into how historical context, pandemic disruptions, and military conflict shape entrepreneurial readiness. Drawing on data collected across five years, the authors present a novel theoretical framework that extends beyond traditional approaches by integrating Social Cognitive Career Theory with Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Entrepreneurial Support Model. This volume delivers a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing entrepreneurial decision-making in transitional economies, highlighting the critical role of self-efficacy and outcome expectations. It presents comparative data spanning pre-pandemic, pandemic, and wartime periods, revealing significant shifts in entrepreneurial perceptions among Generation Z. The authors provide evidence-based recommendations for entrepreneurship education and policy development specifically tailored to Central and Eastern European contexts. Essential reading for academic researchers, doctoral students, and educators in entrepreneurship studies, this volume addresses a significant gap in the literature on post-communist entrepreneurial development. Policymakers and economic development professionals focused on transitional economies will find valuable insights into fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in regions undergoing continued economic transformation.

About the Author

Julita E. Wasilczuk is Professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland, where she served as Dean from 2012 to 2020. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intentions, female entrepreneurship, non-technological innovation, and small-firm growth. Together with Krzysztof Zięba she is a co-creator and leader of the SEAS (Survey on Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Students) project.

Krzysztof Zięba is Associate Professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland. His research focuses on nascent and student entrepreneurship, small and family businesses, and SME growth. His publications address entrepreneurial self-efficacy, growth aspirations, knowledge sharing, intellectual capital, and organisational resilience. Together with Julita E. Wasilczuk he is a co-creator of the SEAS (Survey on Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Students) project.

Inga Lapiņa is Professor and Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at Riga Technical University, Latvia. Her research focuses on quality management, higher education quality assurance, sustainability, innovation, intellectual capital, and competence development. She has over 25 years of academic and project experience and serves on national and European quality-assurance bodies.

Oleh Karyy is Professor and Head of the Department of Management of Organizations at Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine. His research covers organisational and regional development, strategic planning, marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He has teaching, consulting, and project experience and has held visiting professorships in the United Kingdom and Poland.