Do Senior Entrepreneurs Differ from Youth Entrepreneurs? Evidences from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Age in entrepreneurship research is one of the key variables which is extensively studied from different perspectives. One of the newest trends in entrepreneurship related to the age of population is "intergenerational entrepreneurship". The key to the success of this concept lies in a thorough research of the differences and similarities between the different age cohorts of entrepreneurs, and their practical application. The aim of this paper is to study key drivers of differences between senior and young entrepreneurs in Europe focusing on opportunity and necessity driven total early stage entrepreneurial activities.Design/methodology/approach: Based on the revision of existing literature and research findings on senior and young entrepreneurs we have formulated the research assumptions that were further tested. The authors focus on relevant differences between senior and young (youth and young adults) entrepreneurs in Europe and validate their coherence through descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The dataset used in this paper is Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data from 2010-2014 in Europe.Findings: Our results confirm areas of significant differences both among studied groups and regions. Some of these findings are in line with general statements presented in literature, but there are also differences in comparison to relevant research studies done on senior and youth entrepreneurship. Our specific focus was also put on analysis of key drivers of TEA necessity and TEA opportunity in studied groups and their differences from regional point of view. Research/practical implications: Intergenerational cooperation is a topical issue which deserves high attention of policy makers on national and international levels. To use this potential and encourage it in right way asks for relevant thorough knowledge of these groups entrepreneurial characteristics. Therefore, our findings have practical implications for European entrepreneurial policies, programs and tools design to boost intergenerational entrepreneurship. Originality/value: Original value of our paper is in formulation of findings based on comprehensive analysis of differences among the youth, youth adult and senior entrepreneurs on European level based on robust GEM data which bring additional value to rare European studies on this subject.