The latest data shows the development of entrepreneurship during a period of continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty in the global economy. About 67% of economies reported that more people experienced a decline in income than an increase in 2025. In most countries, starting a business is considered more difficult than a year ago, and structural imbalances are becoming a long-term challenge.
GEM 2025/2026 shows that Lithuania is one of four countries in the world where all conditions of the entrepreneurial environment – from access to finance and innovation infrastructure to the regulatory environment and public policy – are assessed by experts as sufficient or higher than sufficient. Only India, Lithuania, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates reached this assessment threshold in 2025. In the context of the European Union, Lithuania holds a leading position, surpassing such major economies as Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. Globally, the United Arab Emirates ranks highest in terms of the entrepreneurial environment this year, but Lithuania remains among the top five highest-rated economies.
Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Economy and Innovation, points out that this is the result of a focused and consistent economic policy: "Lithuania is now seen as one of the best places to start and grow a business. This shows that investments in innovation, strengthening the start-up ecosystem, digital transformation, and improving the business environment are yielding tangible results. Our goal is not only to maintain our leadership in Europe, but also to strengthen the high value-added economy in global competition."
GEM report reveals that although digital transformation has become an inevitable factor in business development, only a fraction of new and growing businesses worldwide plan to actively integrate artificial intelligence or advanced digital technologies into their operations in the near future. The direction of Lithuanian businesses in this regard is clear – almost half of early-stage entrepreneurs plan to expand the use of digital technologies in their activities in the coming months. This shows that technology in Lithuania is perceived as an instrument for growth and export development, enabling competition in global markets and the creation of higher value-added solutions.
"Today, Lithuania not only has an active business community, but also a system that creates conditions for growth. Our goal is to ensure that the dynamics of business creation are accompanied by increased productivity, technological progress, and internationalization. This is what will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Lithuanian economy," notes Minister E. Grikšas.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation notes that international GEM data is an important benchmark for shaping decisions aimed at strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and investment attractiveness in Lithuania. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor program in Lithuania is implemented and research is conducted by the Vilnius University Business School, which represents Lithuania in the international GEM consortium.
