The IER study shows that high start-up figures say little about the economic development or competitiveness of a region. South Tyrol has the lowest closure rate in Italy and more than half (54 percent) of new start-ups survive the first five years, significantly more than in national (50 percent) and European comparison (46 percent). In addition, all forms of entrepreneurial initiative are important. Both start-ups and company successions play a central role. For both start-ups and successions, it is crucial to strengthen the ability to survive through targeted advice and training.