Could the Irish Miracle be Repeated in Hungary?

It is widely recognized that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays an important role in economic development. However, its impact on entrepreneurial activity has not been well researched. Internalization theory is used to explore how inward FDI impacts entrepreneurial activity. Using data from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), we find significant differences in entrepreneurial activity between Ireland and Hungary in both the type of people starting businesses and the opportunities pursued. Economic development policies should focus on increasing human capital, promoting enterprise development, and upgrading the quality of FDI. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007