The aim of this study is to investigate in the role of Venture Capital in the development of New Technology Based Firms in two countries: USA and Germany. Based on literature review and empirical work issues concerning the extent and stage of financing, the nature of oversight provided by Venture Capitalists and the framework conditions for Venture Capital are subject of investigation. The results have been reflected in a workshop with experts from research, industry and policy.

Much of the research on transformation/transition in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) focuses on macroeconomic issues (inflation, economic growth, employment ...). Little research has been devoted so far to microeconomic analysis. Recently the issue of new enterprises and firm founders has moved to the centre of economic and policy considerations. Readers of this book will learn about the role played by these firms in the transformation of central and eastern European countries. The book also includes contributions from Central and Eastern Europe on which little or no investigation has been performed until now (Yugoslavia, Romania, Slovakia).