Features of Successful Entrepreneurs in Estonia

This paper is based on the E-World research programme focusing on international perspectives of entrepreneurship. In the first stage of this international research project, each country had to conduct focus groups in order to develop a preliminary list of traits and behavioural patterns of successful entrepreneurs. Focus groups combined with individual assessments were used for this task. The following features of successful entrepreneurs in Estonia in 2007 were pointed out most often by all categories of respondents: courage to take risks, openness to new information, flexibility, creativity and determination. Networking and acquiring capital, but also selecting the right team and following agreements were described as ways to success. The focus groups stressed some success factors that were seen as being more important for entrepreneurs operating in Estonia in 2007 than in the 1990s: broad world view, wide social network, innovativeness and creativity and lobbying within EU-related structures.