Budapest Business University

The research activities of LAB focus particularly on the following areas

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor

Since 2020, BBU has been the Hungarian partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the world's foremost study of entrepreneurship. The research centre at the university is located within Budapest LAB. GEM's data collection has taken place annually in over 70 countries since 1999, providing valuable insights into people's entrepreneurial willingness, motivations, attitudes, the behaviour of both nascent and established businesses and their founders, perceptions of business opportunities and entrepreneurial careers, as well as the entrepreneurial motivations of young generations. More information about the research project can be found HERE.

Family Business Research Program

In 2017, Budapest LAB launched the first systematic domestic research program examining family businesses in Hungary. The long-term program involves numerous researchers and smaller research groups.

Family businesses receive special attention in the biennial representative survey of micro-, small-and medium-sized enterprises conducted at BBU, providing an opportunity to determine the number and demographic characteristics of family businesses. Additionally, we have fresh data on succession-related situations and plans. Since the sampling is not limited to family businesses, we can also obtain specific findings related to family businesses, distinguishing them from the control group (non-family SMEs).

The Family Business Research Program is complemented by other methodologies (interview-based, longitudinal, case-study-based) that study issues such as identity, ownership structure, management, succession, HR problems, participation in networks, sustainability, and innovation performance of family businesses. The research also addresses the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the COVID-19 pandemic on family businesses.

Continuous scientific publications and conference presentations emerge from the research program's results, which are presented to professional organizations, and regularly reported in the media. Events related to the topic are also organized for both the regional scientific community and the affected entrepreneurs.

Startup research

In 2019, Budapest LAB began its study of the domestic startup and ecosystem. Following the foundational definitions, the study progressed to explore factors influencing the survival and growth of startups. In the subsequent years, we delved into the state of the domestic startup ecosystem through expert interviews, followed by a deeper investigation into the ecosystem's key players, such as incubators and accelerators. Currently, we are conducting case-study-based studies of domestic incubators. Additionally, since 2020, we have been analysing the interpretation of success among startup founders. This area, focusing primarily on the perspective of companies rather than founders, has yielded intriguing new insights.

Entrepreneurship Education

As an active participant in the entrepreneurship development ecosystem and an educational institution, alongside our development projects (including the Business Plan in One Week course, which won the European Enterprise Promotion Award), we also commenced scientific research on the subject in 2021.

Freelancers in Hungary

In 2019, Budapest LAB initiated the study of freelancers in Hungary. Due to the lack of comprehensive coverage on the topic domestically, we launched exploratory research. Following a detailed review of domestic and international literature, as well as legal regulations, we defined the characteristics of various forms of self-employment, particularly focusing on freelancers. Subsequently, we investigated the situation and activities of freelancers in Hungary using both questionnaire and interview methods.

In addition to scientific publications, we disseminated the results in publicly accessible publications, which received wide media coverage. Furthermore, we presented them at several events within the Hungarian freelancer community.

Budapest LAB aims to contribute to the strengthening of entrepreneurial willingness in Hungary and the development of entrepreneurship skills through educational and inspirational activities. Our educational and inspirational activities focus on supporting BBU students and citizens, but many of our programs are open to anyone, and we regularly conduct training, workshops, and lectures for external partners as well.

University courses

Budapest LAB develops and organizes courses aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial skills and knowledge for BBU students. These courses typically utilize intensive, training-based methodologies and are interactive, continuously adapting to the changing needs of students and incorporating the latest knowledge generated at the Centre of Excellence. In addition to the highlighted courses below, Budapest LAB regularly offers courses and workshops on topics such as self-awareness, financial planning, design thinking, and communication.

• Business Plan in a Week

Business Plan in One Week course, offered every semester between 2018 and 2022, was Budapest LAB's first in-house developed course, which won the national award for Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit at the 2021 European Enterprise Promotion Awards. Participants gain practical experience by working on real projects, and learning how to lay the foundation for a successful business using two of the world's coolest business methodologies. Through intensive work, participants not only develop professionally but also personally, exploring their potential as future entrepreneurs. Last but not least, it's genuinely a great experience. It's so enjoyable that, based on feedback, the majority would sign up for the next week immediately.

• Family Business, here I come! Practical preparation for survival in a family business

Based on the results of Budapest LAB's Family Business Research Program regarding succession and training methodologies, participants in the intensive course can familiarize themselves with the six most characteristic challenges of generational change in family businesses, ranging from internal conflicts to issues of leadership succession, decision-making, and future planning. They can develop their understanding and problem-solving skills in these areas. Through formal and experiential methods, participants can delve deeper into the operation of a family business. The course is recommended for family business owners or potential successors who, through the training, not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also practical tools for implementation. This course is available to anyone interested as part of the BBU adult training program!

Current courses are available for students in the Neptun system, and up-to-date information is accessible to external partners on the Budapest LAB website.

Summer School

Since 2023, Budapest LAB has been organizing and leading the BGE Summer School, which is currently funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). During this five-day, interactive, and exciting program, participating BBU students develop their entrepreneurial skills – including planning, communication, creativity, and collaboration – while working on a project. A video about the Summer University can be viewed HERE.

Other Events

LAB regularly organizes events to support students in gaining experience, building connections, and fostering community. These events provide opportunities to learn from the real stories and experiences of successful entrepreneurs, to network both within and outside the university, and to safely push one's boundaries.

In addition to the monthly StartLAB Entrepreneurial Club events, where we delve into the success stories of Hungarian entrepreneurs so that students leave not only with interesting but practical knowledge, we have organized events such as American-style dispute with prominent figures in the ecosystem to discuss the situation and opportunities of the Hungarian startup ecosystem, as well as COLLAB, a discussion series specifically targeting creative industry ventures. Additionally, we celebrate International Failure Day (October 13th), every year, contributing to the acceptance of failures and moving forward from them.

Information about public events can be found on the Budapest LAB Facebook page.