A Comparative Study of Start-up Ecosystems between Kazakhstan and Korea: An Empirical Analysis Using GEM Data

Purpose - This study compares the startup ecosystems of Kazakhstan, an efficiency-driven economy, and South Korea, an innovation-driven economy, applying Porter’s (1990) economic development stages theory. It aims to identify differences in startup determinants and suggest policy directions for each country. Design/methodology/approach - Using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2015-2017 Adult Population Survey (APS) and National Expert Survey (NES) data, logistic regression and t-tests were conducted. Analyses covered individual-level determinants of startup activity and country-level ecosystem characteristics. Findings - Kazakhstan’s startup participation rate (19.0%) exceeded South Korea’s (8.8%), reflecting its transition economy and young demographics. Significant factors in Kazakhstan were opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial knowledge, and fear of failure. In South Korea, gender, age, opportunity recognition, knowledge, and media influence mattered. Kazakhstan showed advantages in funding sources, while Korea excelled in institutional infrastructure, R&D support, and technology transfer efficiency. Research implications or Originality - Startup determinants vary by development stage. Kazakhstan should strengthen startup education and R&D systems, while South Korea should address cultural barriers to entrepreneurial participation. The study highlights the need for stage-specific policy approaches to enhance national startup ecosystems.