Abstract
In this article, based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data, we carried out several econometric analyses going back ten years for 25 OECD countries. We present the results of these analyses on the effects of start-up support programmes and the moderating role of the institutional framework, in terms of quantity and quality, on entrepreneurial activity within a country, and on unemployment reduction. Our results probably appear counter-intuitive, but as well as being based on solid methodology with a longitudinal design, they do make sense and they lead to very clear practical implications that we think could be usefully taken into account in future consideration of public policy on entrepreneurship and unemployment reduction.