belgium assistance in setting up networks of business
"angels." help small companies make better use of patents.
but insufficient coordination between government
agencies.
denmark electronic filing of information the government
requires. courses promoting entrepreneurship to elementary
school-age children.
but the venture capital market remains
too small.
finland new development centers combine 77 services from
three ministries into a single office.
but still a strong
cultural bias against entrepreneurialism.
france government-backed loans for new businesses or for
purchase of existing small businesses. more than 20 regional
business incubators.
but entrepreneurs are still too
personally liable for business failures.
germany seed capital for small business. newly endowed
chairs of entrepreneurship at universities.
but the public
pension system still costs too much.
greece vocational training and loans for business owners
under age 30. awards for entrepreneurial excellence.
but
labor law remains too rigid.
ireland government counselors help companies of 10 or more
people develop and execute business plans.
but
infra-structure remains poor in some sectors.
italy special loans and guarantees for small enterprises. a
one-stop shop for setting up new companies.
but r&d
support lags behind european standards.
luxembourg professional licensing has been relaxed. more
r&d subsidies.
but more startup credit is needed.
the netherlands r&d grants for small enterprises. a
government venture capital fund to support infotech and life
sciences companies.
but schools do a poor job of preparing
young people for entrepreneurial work.
portugal "first-stop shops" for small enterprises include
free phone and
internet service.
but licensing procedures
remain lengthy and complex.