The presence of Ukrainian companies outside the country has increased significantly during the war. In particular, Gradus Research surveyed Ukrainians about their attitudes toward Ukrainian businesses entering foreign markets. Learn more about the survey results

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The war caused many Ukrainian companies to open representative offices abroad. For some, it was the only way to maintain their business and provide jobs for their employees. Others took advantage of the opportunity to expand their business and gain new audiences. 

In 2022-2023, the number of Ukrainian companies abroad increased significantly. But do Ukrainians support this trend? We share the results of a survey conducted by Gradus Research on this topic, as well as the number of Ukrainian companies that started operating in Poland in 2023.

Business in Poland: do Ukrainians support it? 

According to the survey, the majority of Ukrainians support the expansion of Ukrainian business to foreign markets. The fact that this trend is positive was confirmed by 69% of the surveyed citizens, mostly young people (18-24 years old and 25-34 years old).

Only positive consequences?

Those who support the expansion of the geography of Ukrainian business see positive consequences of this trend. This opinion was expressed by 73% of respondents. Interestingly, the figure is higher among young people aged 18 to 24 - 88%.

Ukrainians support entrepreneurs in their desire to work in foreign markets and expand their business.

The survey results indicate a change in the culture of entrepreneurship in general. Sociologists believe that long-term residence abroad in a different culture shapes a new worldview among citizens.

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Consequences of Ukrainian business going abroad:

• International standards in Ukraine. The majority of respondents (55%) expect that doing business abroad will allow Ukrainian entrepreneurs to learn from the experience and implement international standards at home. 

• Inflow of investments to Ukraine. Ukrainians see an increase in investment as the next possible consequence of doing business abroad. 47% of respondents indicated financial investment as the expected result of international cooperation between Ukrainians and their foreign counterparts.

• Implementation of new experience. Another positive effect of Ukrainian companies operating abroad is the opportunity to learn from the experience of other businesses and use it in Ukraine.

• Positive attitude of foreigners towards Ukraine. This outcome is predicted by 31% of respondents who believe that Ukrainian entrepreneurs abroad have a positive impact on the country's image.

• A sense of pride. 30% of respondents are convinced that effective business abroad increases the sense of pride in the success of Ukrainian companies.

However, the entry of Ukrainian companies into foreign markets has not only positive aspects. The Ukrainians surveyed also fear negative consequences, including a decrease in the number of jobs in Ukraine and the risk of an outflow of specialists and finance from the country. Interestingly, it was mostly representatives of the older age group (55-60 years old) who emphasized the negative aspects of Ukrainian business expansion abroad.

Gradus Research surveyed over 1000 respondents aged 18 to 60.

Ukrainian companies in Poland: statistics

Data from the Polish Economic Institute shows that Ukrainian companies are increasingly exploring the Polish market. The ongoing war in Ukraine is becoming a major factor in why entrepreneurs decide to work in the Polish market.

According to the figures, in the first half of 2023, Ukrainians registered as many companies as in 2022. That is, every tenth company registered in Poland has Ukrainian roots.

More than 50% of the companies opened by foreigners from January 2022 to June 2023 are owned by Ukrainians. 

Analysts reported that Ukrainian citizens registered about 14 thousand companies. Most of the newly opened companies provide construction and information and communication services.

The most popular voivodeship where Ukrainians do business is Mazowieckie. Lower Silesian and Małopolskie voivodeships are on the second and third places.

We remind you! We recently wrote about what awaits Ukrainian business after joining the EU. Read on to find out what will change for Ukrainian entrepreneurs and whether the business is ready for it.

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