Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to identify the key range of entrepreneurial competencies. The article seeks to answer the question: What factors have a significant impact on the success of entrepreneurs in the market? Is it necessary to have adequate predispositions? Which abilities does an entrepreneur need to possess to run a successful business? What is more, are these innate features? Or quite the contrary, features and entrepreneurial abilities, shaped and strengthened through various educational programmes? Design/methodology/approach: The data collection process consisted of two steps. First of all, desk research and  the  review of  the  Internet sources were applied. Secondly, there were conducted national qualitative research: 10 in-depth expert interviews. The recipients of the study are: scientists, business psychologists, certified business coaches, experts with several years of experience in advising small and medium-sized enterprises and business environment institutions in the field of business incubation and innovation. Findings: The results indicate, that in the opinion of the experts studied, the entrepreneur's success in the market is determined by a synergic combination of: (1) innate entrepreneurial aptitude, (2) sociological conditions, and (3) educational programmes (including training and courses). The lack of any component, in their views, limits the individual potential of an entrepreneur. Research and practical limitations/implications: The qualitative data are based on a small sample of ten experts in Poland. However, in the qualitative study took part recognized experts with wide professional experience and from various Universities and institutions: University of Warsaw, Poznan University of Economics and Business, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Polish Business and Innovation Centers Association, University Technology Transfer Center at University of Warsaw. Originality/value: The paper provides the knowledge in the range of ​​the key entrepreneurial competencies that enable to set up, survival and development of a business ventures. The paper might be valuable to scholars who wish to understand the key range of entrepreneurial competencies.