Estonian Perspectives of International Entrepreneurship

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Unionin the early 1990s, the Eastern European country of Estonia has established afunctioning stable, reform-based market economy. Considering the successof Estonia, this research seeks to better understand the trends and challengesrelated to the internationalization process in entrepreneurship. The evolution of entrepreneurship trends among Estonia businesses isexamined, including the impact of abolishing the corporate income tax.Then, the challenges faced by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) seekingforeign expansion are investigated. Obstacles and experiences related to understanding international businessare explored, including the significance of perestroika as an initialtraining ground for Estonian entrepreneurs. Also discussed is thesignificance of export development programs in Estonia and other Europeancountries. Specific export training programs both at universities and atindependent training centers are reviewed and discussed.The flaws intraining programs are identified, including inadequate market surveyinformation and counseling input, and the means to correct these flaws arediscussed. Estonia’s ability to claim market experience is limited atthis time due to the transitional nature of its economy. (AKP)