Entrepreneurship in the Soviet Union and post-Socialist Russia

This article advances the understanding of the present and future of Russian entrepreneurship. Based on secondary information published in the West and in contemporary Russia, empirical research and personal interviews, general characteristics of Russian entrepreneurship within different controversial periods that occurred during different periods of this country's history are presented. Also discussed are the influences of ethnic and religious minorities and foreign businesses on entrepreneurship development as well as the relatively low social status of the entrepreneur. The vitality of entrepreneurial response is discussed in terms of recent events in post-Socialist Russia including the transformation of its economy and society and its integration into the global market. In so doing, the article presents the latest trends in entrepreneurship in the country as well as a profile of the Russian entrepreneur.