European Biotech Entrepreneur Profile: Case Studies

Abstract

To be entrepreneur it takes a certain type of personality, but there is also a range of skills needed for success. The authors have conducted a survey among European biotech entrepreneurs, trying to profile their skills, knowledge, and competencies adapted to different socioeconomical contexts; an analysis of potential differences between the Western and Eastern Europe sides has also been targeted. A high similarity in answers has been generally noticed, in relation to respondents’ competences levels, as well as on the importance of common competences/skills/abilities for being an entrepreneur, like creativity and innovation, professionalism, communication, leadership, and teamwork. An important conclusion is that in biotech companies there is a high demand for higher education graduates and these graduates have to continuously improve their technical and managerial knowledge and skills following training courses. The societal and economic context in the targeted countries has different influence on biotech new ventures. Several European biotech entrepreneurs have provided testimonials on their own experience and useful recommendations for future graduates.