The US company's report shows that 39% of respondents worldwide see self-employment as more likely in five years, but far more in Croatia expect a decrease in self-employment.
Amway also published its Entrepreneurial Spirit Index (AESI), which measures three dimensions affecting a person's intention to start a business: desire, feasibility and stability against social pressure.
The European Union average score remains 45 out of a maximum 100, whereas the global average is 50. In Croatia, the AESI score is 40, up from last year's 28.
On average, 47% of Europeans and 27% of Croats (+9%) expressed a wish to start a business in 2016, while 40% do not feel ready for this challenge.
Respondents under 35 are more inclined to start a business, with an AESI score of 52, than those older than 50 (38), and they showed a much bigger desire for self-employment (61%) than any other age group. Respondents aged 35-49 are the most confident they they have the necessary resources and skills for that (46%).
The report shows that gender equality in the EU remains a relevant topic. Men have a higher AESI score (50) than women (41). Desire to start a business is 43% among women and 52% among men, while confidence in one's own abilities is 34% among women and 47% among men.
In Croatia, the AESI score for women is 35, up 10% on 2015. Desire to start a business went up 6% to 21%, feasibility went up to 37% (+2%), and stability against social pressure to 46% (+11%). The men's score is 46, as against 31 in 2015. Their desire to start a business went up to 33% (+13%), feasibility to 50% (+18%) and stability to 56% (+15%).
Furthermore, 74% of respondents in the EU think positively about entrepreneurship, with men having a more positive attitude than women, 76% and 73% respectively. Seventy percent of Croatian respondents have a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, up 9% from 2015.
When it comes to age, 82% of Croatian respondents under 35 and 76% of those aged 35-49 have a generally positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, up 13% and 14% on the year respectively.
In Croatia, the reasons for starting a business remain the same as in 2015: Independence from an employer, being my own boss; second income prospects; self-fulfilment, possibility to realise own ideas.