Evolution of the Socio-Economic Profile of the Entrepreneur in Galicia (Spain)

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the evolution of both the level of entrepreneurship and the socio-economic profile of the entrepreneur in the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain) in the period 2007-2012, with the aim of observing the effects of the economic recession on the creation of new enterprises. The methodology used consists of analyzing the data provided by GEM Galicia reports developed within the framework of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM Project) by the observatory of entrepreneurial activity of Galicia, which ensures information on the behavior and profile of the entrepreneur. The results show that the economic recession in which Galicia is immersed caused a significant decline in entrepreneurial activity, entrepreneurship out of necessity increased and since the crisis began the entrepreneurial profile changed two of the socio-demographic variables considered: income level and specific training to undertake which both decreased.