Research Symposium
25th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 1, 2025
Joshua Selig Poster Session 2: 10:45 am - 11:45 am/ Poster #84
BIO
Hi My name is Joshua Selig, I am a third year Political Science student from Tampa, Florida also obtaining a US Intelligence Certificate.
Entrepreneurship during Crisis: Resilience and Recovery in Wartime Ukraine
Authors: Joshua Selig, Eric LiguoriStudent Major: Political Science
Mentor: Eric Liguori
Mentor's Department: Entrepreneurship Mentor's College: Entrepreneurship Co-Presenters: Faith Parkinson, Ella Owens, Zhen Siew, Olivia Leitcher
Abstract
The Ukrainian entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to be significantly and negatively impacted by the war with Russia, resulting in damaged infrastructure, weaker investor interest, a strained mental state, and an overall lack of stability. This exploratory study aims to understand the pre-war and current entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ukraine. We use a mixed-method approach consisting of both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended survey, interviewing 15 Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals were still based in Ukraine, though some did relocate out of the country due to the conflict, but continued operating Ukraine-based ventures. These individuals were identified using the Crunchbase database where we randomly sampled those listed as founders or co-founders. In addition to the interviews, given Ukraine being an active conflict zone, 8 additional individuals agreed to be interviewed via a web survey. Preliminary data analysis is scheduled to begin in March 2025.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Ukraine