Evaluation of the Start-Up Nation Romania Program based on the Perception of Entrepreneurs

Authors: Carmen Valentina Rădulescu, Ioan Gâf-Deac, Mădălina Ioana Moncea, Liviu Purcărea

Abstract

The main objective of the research is to delimit and analyze the perception of entrepreneurs in relation to the Start-up Nation program in Romania. On the other hand, the study proposes to investigate the role of several specific factors imposed by this phenomenon as an integral part of modernity. The Start-Up Nation Romania was conceived as a tool to stimulate entrepreneurship and support new businesses through nonreimbursable grants. This paper analyses the effectiveness of the program from the beneficiaries' perspective, focusing on entrepreneurs' perceptions of the economic impact, administrative procedures, accessibility of funds and sustainability of the funded businesses. The study is based on questionnaire data collected from a sample of participating entrepreneurs, highlighting both the positive aspects of the this - such as the funding opportunity and support for private initiative - and the difficulties encountered, such as excessive bureaucracy, delays in disbursement or lack of post-implementation advice. The research results provide a realistic picture of how the program is perceived by beneficiaries and make recommendations for improving future editions. At the same time, it is noted by various models or broad principles existing both at national and global levels. Through systematic research of the specialized literature, it was possible to confirm a niche gap in the field - the one represented by the deficit of scientific information resources regarding economic performance and the need to configure studies that capture the essence of the indicators that lead to performance in the field. In a vast specialized literature, this research is positioned both within the framework of theoretical and applied research, which provides clues regarding the connection between this established program and the development of modern techniques for promoting future economic principles. The originality of the article lies in the fact that the research targeted by this paper has an applied importance, given the fact that it presents the information described from the perspective of the primary data source for the analysis carried out. Through this paper, it attempted to change the perception for the product to become, the fact that in its development the main role is not played by banks, but by the state and private financing companies, which would automatically make it riskier.