Entrepreneurship in Brazil in crisis (2014-2017): an analysis of results from the focus of competitiveness, innovation and prosperity

Abstract

Objective: This article analyzes the performance of Brazilian entrepreneurship, covering indicators of competitiveness, innovation and prosperity, between 2014 and 2017. Methodology: The research is of a mixed nature and exploratory character, outlined by bibliometric analysis in scientific databases and cross-analysis of documentary data in international reports. Results: The results show that the crisis was severe for Brazil with a drop in the world ranking of 25 positions in competitiveness; 8 in innovation; and 5 in prosperity. Among the 28 indicators that make up the rankings analyzed, the country fell back in 18 of them, with considerable loss in economic activity; despite having advanced in 10 factors related to education, considered a key factor in technology-based entrepreneurship. Among these 10 factors, one of them is the entrepreneurial mindset. Theoretical contributions: During the crisis, political-legal and social events, such as the fight against corruption, the cooling of the commodities market and bureaucratic obstacles, reduced the advancement of entrepreneurship by opportunity. Thus, the positive movement in entrepreneurship rates is associated with entrepreneurship by necessity, which houses the informal economy activities, justified by the attractiveness of the tax and security benefits inserted in the Individual Microentrepreneur Program (MEI). It is not legitimate to use the terminology that associates the growth of entrepreneurship with the “social mattress”, since there is no increase in prosperity, competitiveness and innovation rates. Originality / Relevance: A qualitative analysis of overlay format reports, an innovative way to evaluate indicators and influence factors in Brazilian entrepreneurship.