This policy paper discusses the terminologies, the determinants of the entrepreneurial and innovative university (University 3.0) evolution in Belarus. Authors highlight the crucial role of institutions (formal/informal) in the configuration of this type of university in Belarus and provide recommendations on the development of a University 3.0 as a new, private institution with a high degree of autonomy.

This study allowed us to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs of social entrepreneurs in Belarus in the context of information and consulting services and to determine the capabilities of existing business support centers in meeting such needs.

The study focuses on three issues. First, the paper analyses the Belarusian experience in the creation of special economic zones. Second, we look at how the GSIP has been developing so far and what lessons have been learned from the past experience. Lastly, this paper makes policy recommendations on how to increase the efficiency of the Belarus-China cooperation under the GSIP project.

The policy paper considers prerequisites and factors conditioning the development of entrepreneneurial higher education institutions (universities 3.0) in Belarus. Capitalizing on state-of-the-art academic research and policy initiatives in the field, as well as on the custom-made survey of Belarusian faculty members, the paper analyses the environment for higher education institutions' modernization and provides policy recommendations.

This policy paper looks at who are women in Belarus’ business, are there any gender differences that impact on the effectiveness and successfulness of business. The study also analyses the external and internal factors that impede business development and motives to enter business. The main barriers that face women entrepreneurs are related to the quality of the functioning entrepreneurial ecosystem. However, equally important role is played by the preservation of the traditional division of social roles in terms of household work and childcare sharing. As the results show, the majority of female business owners no longer perceive as a norm the current state of affairs.

Although the government’s plans to raise foreign financing were fulfilled, the results of 2017 were ambiguous in this respect. The private sector and, especially, hi-tech startups generated investors’ profound interest. Investments in the public sector were provided by the state through external borrowing and redistribution of funds raised this way. The public sector thus remains unattractive for investors, but, in fact, it seeks state subsides, rather than investments. In 2017, the government took a number of important steps to improve the regulatory framework for investment and to stimulate business ventures.

Foreign Investment: Startups and Innovations or Loans