Espaitec has brought together the main agents of the provincial entrepreneurial ecosystem today during the presentation of the Valencian Community GEM Report. A research project to facilitate knowledge of the situation of entrepreneurial activity worldwide.
The event included the participation of Pilar García Agustín, vice-rector for Students, Employment and Educational Innovation of the UJI; Francisco Álvarez, general director of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives of the Generalitat Valenciana; Justo Vellón, general director of CEEI Castellón; José María Gómez Gras, director of the report and professor of Business Organization at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH); and Ignacio Mira, Executive Director of the Valencian Community GEM Project.
According to the data obtained in 2016 related to the perceptions and attitudes of the population, Ignacio Mira has highlighted that the rate of population that perceives opportunities decreases by 4,7 points, the knowledge of entrepreneurs increases by 5,1 points, the self -recognition of skills rises 4,1 points and the fear of failure as a barrier remains.
Regarding the cultural traits of society, half of the population continues to consider entrepreneurship a good professional option and the perception of good status for those who achieve success increases 5,4 points compared to 2015.
Regarding the entrepreneurial profile and the characteristics of the activity at the regional level, the percentage of the population involved in the start-up and initial growth of entrepreneurial initiatives continues to be at a minimum of 3,8%, a little more than one point lower than the national average. However, data from 2016 indicate that entrepreneurial intention stands at 6,7%, that is, half a point higher than the national average.
By gender, 53% of entrepreneurs are men and 47% women. The average profile of the entrepreneur in the Valencian Community is a man, 40 years old, oriented to the consumer sector, with university studies and specific training in entrepreneurship. Regarding the reason for starting a business, in the case of women a little more opportunity is detected and in the case of men a little more need.
Taking into account the size of the projects undertaken, solo entrepreneurial initiatives continue to be the majority (42,6%) and the distance continues to be maintained regarding the next option of two partners.
Regarding financing, the financial needs most frequently declared by nascent entrepreneurs are around €25.000. It should be noted that in 2016 informal financing increased slightly: 2,4% of the population acted as "informal financiers" compared to 2,2% the previous year, and the average amount contributed was €12.000.
Finally, it should be noted that the panel of experts interviewed positively values the support for new and growing companies by science parks and incubators and programs to promote business creation and development. It is considered that universities should promote their science parks and spaces to promote entrepreneurship with special attention to the creation of globally competitive technology-based companies.
More information and access to the report
