Happy & competitive cities : entrepreneurship & life satisfaction in European cities

This thesis investigates the assumed relationship between entrepreneurial activities and life satisfaction aggregates in the context of the European cities. The main research question that will be answered is the following: To what extent can the happiness and entrepreneurial activities of European Cities be connected directly and through common determinants? Based on previous research important city specific characteristics and their effects on the relationship will be tested using a hierarchical regression models in an elaborative fashion. Data has been obtained from various national statistical offices and the Urban Audit program. The results will provide details on how different factors affect the life satisfaction of the population itself as well as the relationship to entrepreneurship. From this, a set of policy implications are being derived that will address the maximization of both life satisfaction and entrepreneurship.