GEM – Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum is the Swedish partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the largest global research venture on entrepreneurial activity. Since 2010, Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum has published an annual Swedish report based on survey and interview data. The Swedish national report is funded by Triton Advisers Sweden and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. –
Swedish Entrepreneurship in Decline
After a trend of steady growth over the past few decades, Swedish entrepreneurship declined in 2024 across nearly all measured dimensions: the intention to start a business, startup activity, established business ownership, and women’s entrepreneurship. At the same time, the number of early-stage investors (business angels) decreased, while fear of failure increased. The share of Swedes engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) dropped from 9.2 to 8.4 percent – a clear downturn following several years of growth. These findings are presented in this year’s national report from the world’s largest entrepreneurship study, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).
This year’s GEM survey indicates a shift in Swedish entrepreneurship. The overall picture points to a tougher climate for entrepreneurs in Sweden – something that should be taken seriously.
In 2024, 45 percent of Swedes stated they would refrain from starting a business due to fear of failure. We also observe continued declines in both informal venture capital and the number of individuals intending to start a business in the near future. This could lead to further declines in entrepreneurship going forward, says Per Thulin, researcher at the Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum and KTH, and editor of the report.
This year’s report highlights three themes with significant impact on entrepreneurship: the effect of crime on business activity, the opportunities and risks of AI technology, and entrepreneurs’ perceived access to the social insurance system.
- One in four new entrepreneurs report negative effects from crime. Among those who have experienced crime, over 30 percent have closed their business. Rising crime can lead to shrinking entrepreneurship, weaker growth potential, and eroded competitiveness in the long term.
- Interest in AI among entrepreneurs is high and may become a catalyst for future growth, but many regulatory uncertainties remain—especially at the EU level.
- 43 percent of established entrepreneurs feel they do not have the same level of access to the social insurance system as employees. There is a clear link between perceptions of entrepreneurs’ access to social protection and fear of failure.
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor: General Information
Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum is the Swedish partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the largest global research venture on entrepreneurial activity.
Since 2010, Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum has published an annual Swedish report based on survey and interview data, all reports can be found by visiting the Swedish site or pressing the button below. The global project was started in 1999 and has grown from including 10 countries to approximately 50.
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