BUEB Main page
Students' page HU - Magyar

Budapest University of Economics and Business

  • International
  • Our university
      • About us
      • Management of BUEB
      • Vision and mission
      • BUEB in a nutshell
      • History and traditions
      • Faculties
      • Our Community
      • Alumni
      • International Relations
      • Highlights
      • Accreditations and International memberships
      • Partnerships and collaborations
      • Student opportunities
      • Our Organization
      • Foundation for the Budapest Business University
      • Educational, academic and research departments
      • Support units
      • Student organisation
      • Bodies and committees
      • Advocacy groups
  • Sustainability
  • Scientific life
      • Highlights
      • Latest news
      • Portfolio overview
      • Economic and social impact
      • Awards and recognitions
      • Events and knowledge sharing
      • Research portfolio
      • Doctoral School
      • Knowledge map
      • Centres of Excellence
      • Prosperitas
      • Talent Development & Services
      • Students’ Research Societies (TDK)
      • Students’ Academic Societies
      • Research Coordination Office
      • Library
      • Centres of Excellence
      • Budapest LAB – Office for Entrepreneurship Development
      • Future of Higher Education Research Centre
      • Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Impacts in Business and Society
      • Centre of Excellence for Future Value Chains
      • Centre of Excellence for Visitor Economy
  • Business partnerships
Home page >
Budapest LAB – Office for Entrepreneurship Development
Budapest University of Economics and Business
BGE
Search
Menu
Search
Menu
Budapest LAB – Office for Entrepreneurship Development
Budapest LAB – Office for Entrepreneurship Development
Budapest LAB – Office for Entrepreneurship Development (Budapest LAB // LAB) is the first Centre of Excellence established by BUEB aiming to support the development of entrepreneurial culture and boost the success of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by sharing knowledge, research, training and inspiration. Supporting BUEB’s strategy, the goal set by Budapest LAB is to become a well-known research, development, training and knowledge centre of entrepreneurship development in the Central European region.

The Budapest LAB team is working to provide knowledge about entrepreneurship both to entrepreneurs and to those planning to start a business, and above all to the University's internal community on as many platforms and in as many forms as possible. It also aims to show the outside world what’s going on at BUEB in entrepreneurship development.

Scientific achievements and social impact

Budapest LAB conducts and coordinates research aimed at getting better knowledge of Hungarian small- and medium-sized enterprises. An important objective is to ensure that their findings can be utilized not only by the scientific community but also by the stakeholders themselves: entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Therefore, they always publish their results in an accessible manner to integrate them into everyday knowledge. Click HERE for more information about the LAB's key research areas and recent findings.

The Budapest LAB Team continuously develops and experiments to provide exciting and effective methods to enhance entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial willingness within the university framework and beyond. Entrepreneurial skills are elements of the competency set to be developed throughout lifelong learning as defined by the European Union, which are useful not only for those planning to venture in the future but also for individuals occupying roles in any capacity within the labour market. Thus, developing these competencies can support increasing the post-diploma success of students and effective performance after obtaining the diploma.

  • In addition to developing their projects - which often involve interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from other fields at BUEB to strengthen knowledge - Budapest LAB regularly engages as a partner in both university and business-initiated partnerships to ensure the widest possible use of university expertise.
  • The results of LAB's research are utilized by large corporations, businesses, and the government. An important outcome is that scientific analyses have been incorporated into the SME strategy issued by the Ministry for Innovation and Technology (ITM) in 2019, and they serve as the basis for corporate product development.
  • Budapest LAB develops and conducts training not only for BUEB students but also for University staff, alumni community, and corporate partners.
  • LAB's articles and research findings are regularly published in the media - reaching even more stakeholders with knowledge derived from research.

The projects of Budapest LAB can be thoroughly explored in the Annual Report of the Center of Excellence. The presentation of the projects makes it easier for other stakeholders in the ecosystem to connect with LAB.

Areas of activity

Research

The research activities of LAB focus particularly on the following areas

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor

Since 2020, BUEB 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 BUEB, 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.

Education, Inspiration

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 BUEB 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 BUEB 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 BUEB 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 BUEB 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.

Flagship projects of Budapest LAB

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor partnership

Since 2020, BUEB has been the Hungarian partner of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the world's largest entrepreneurship research initiative. 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. The results are publicly available in the annually published National Report, accessible HERE.

Family Business Research Program

In 2017, Budapest LAB launched the first systematic domestic research examining this entrepreneurial group. The long-term program involves numerous researchers and smaller research groups, allowing for in-depth investigations alongside large-scale representative surveys – so far, covering topics such as succession, HR, and sustainability. LAB disseminates the results not only through scientific publications but also through accessible articles, regularly presenting them at business conferences. Additionally, for the fourth year, it organizes the East-Central European Family Business Research Workshop, facilitating the development of regional research collaborations and knowledge sharing.

BUEB 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 BUEB 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.

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

The training, based on the Budapest LAB's Family Business Research Program ongoing since 2017, offers development opportunities primarily for successors and prospective successors of family businesses in six main thematic areas. This three-day interactive training focuses on developing essential entrepreneurial skills applicable to all businesses, along with addressing typical conflicts, leadership styles, decision-making mechanisms, strategic planning, future visioning and values, as well as difficulties related to succession and specific transfer conditions.

StartLAB+

Starting in the spring of 2024, a series of programs will combine the proven, successful event formats of Budapest LAB into a single intensive and exciting program. The half-day program, held biannually, will consist of workshops, entrepreneurial discussions, and networking opportunities centred around a specific theme. It is open to both BUEB students and alumni. Information about the current event can be found on the LAB's Facebook page.

Contact us

The latest news and public events of Budapest LAB can be followed on the Center of Excellence’s Facebook page.

BUEB students interested in entrepreneurship are welcome to join the Vállalkozz@BGE closed Facebook group, which offers exclusive opportunities available only to active students.

For detailed information about research and training collaborations, please visit the Budapest LAB website, or feel free to contact us at budapestlab@uni-bge.hu.

Budapest LAB Team

Head of Office

Gigi Timár
Head of Office
  • Office: 1087 Budapest, Berzsenyi utca 6.
  • Office: 103.
  • Phone: +36 1 313-6224
  • Internal extension: 5007
  • E-mail: timar.gigi@uni-bge.hu

Director of Research

Judit Csákné Dr. Filep PhD
Senior Research Fellow, Director of research of Budapest LAB
  • Office: 1087 Budapest, Berzsenyi utca 6.
  • E-mail: csaknefilep.judit@uni-bge.hu

Research Fellow

Dr. Áron Szennay PhD
Senior Research Fellow
  • Office: 1087 Budapest, Berzsenyi utca 6.
  • Office: II/247
  • Phone: +36 1 313-6224
  • Internal extension: 5006
  • E-mail: szennay.aron@uni-bge.hu

Project manager

Zsófia Borsodi
Project Manager
  • Office: 1087 Budapest, Berzsenyi utca 6.
  • Office: 103.
  • Phone: +36 1 313-6224
  • Internal extension: 5006
  • E-mail: borsodi.zsofia@uni-bge.hu

Development Expert

Norbert Hochstein
Development Expert
  • Office: 1087 Budapest, Berzsenyi utca 6.
  • Office: 103.
  • Phone: +36 1 313-6224
  • Internal extension: 5006
  • E-mail: hochstein.norbert@uni-bge.hu
2025 - Budapest University of Economics and Business - All rights reserved v1.12.0
Useful links
  • Data of public interest
  • IT guides
  • Contact
  • Institutional information
  • Conditions of Use
  • Cookie settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Applications
  • Requirement System for Students
  • Developments
Follow us
made by