Entrepreneurship and innovation at work and schools: The Greek paradigm

Abstract

Rapid technological changes in Global markets today, which require rapid responses of markets, make innovation development a prerequisite. Businesses exploit new ideas to create new products, processes or services and new methods of organisation. In knowledge economies, entrepreneurship is linked with innovation and novel practices. Studies have shown that entrepreneurial activity may not be related to the level of economic welfare, as new entrepreneurs are pushed by the need and not the opportunity motive. Therefore, high levels of 'need' entrepreneurs are met in low development economies. Greece lies in the 18th position of the world classification (2004). Greek Governments foster entrepreneurship by supporting innovative practices at labour markets (bottom-up development policy) and schools (education policies promoting attitude stimulation and creativity development).