An estimated 40 per cent of all new jobs are provided by around one per cent of entrepreneurs, new statistics suggest.

A report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) indicates businesses should examine the strategies that make such companies so successful and fast growing.

In the study, the organization states there are wide differences between enterprises starting out around the world and advocates taking "lessons from the down years to build a stronger engine for future growth".

The WEF document was produced with Endeavor Global and Stanford University and recommends that policymakers gain a greater understanding of the factors that contribute to company success in order to drive jobs and wealth creation.

Commenting on the findings, WEF director and head of investors industries Max von Bismarck said: "After avoiding a collapse of the global financial system, governments are now focused on building the foundation for future growth.

"Entrepreneurs are recognized as important drivers of economic and social progress."

Founded in Geneva in 1971, WEF is an international body dedicated to gathering academic, business, political and social leaders together in order to improve the state of the world.

Posted by Lee Thrace