SOEP-LEE2-Entrepreneurs

To address persistent data limitations in entrepreneurship research, the SOEP-LEE2 project is being implemented in cooperation with the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) and the Helmut Schmidt University (HSU). The project aims to create a unique linked data infrastructure that connects detailed individual-level information on entrepreneurs, including their personal and household characteristics, with firm-level data capturing business operations, performance, and organizational practices. This linkage enables new opportunities for evidence-based research on entrepreneurial decision-making and firm development.

The project team will design and implement new survey modules targeting entrepreneurs and small and micro enterprises (MSEs). These surveys will collect information on business practices, management strategies, innovation activities, investment decisions, and challenges related to digitalization and sustainability. In parallel, firm-level data will be compiled and prepared for linkage with the individual SOEP data, ensuring that both data integrity and confidentiality standards are upheld. The resulting dataset will provide a longitudinal perspective, making it possible to study firm dynamics and entrepreneurial behaviour over time.

Using the linked data, the project will address several research questions around management practices, organization and delegation activities in MSEs, and the twin transformation process - digitalization and sustainability.

Overall, SOEP-LEE2 provides an innovative infrastructure that strengthens the empirical basis for entrepreneurship research in Germany and supports evidence-based policy and practice for small and micro enterprises.