Adaptive Policies Designed in Order to Better Support Local Entrepreneurs in the Context of Geopolitical Unrest and War

Geopolitical instability and war make life harder for small and medium-sized businesses, especially in Eastern Europe. The war in Ukraine has thrown trade, supply chains, and financial systems into disarray, leaving local entrepreneurs facing a lot of uncertainty. These shocks call for practical policy changes that help businesses stay afloat. Research so far points to three helpful tools: financial support, more flexible rules, and investments in digital systems. But there’s still not enough clear comparison between what works where, especially between different countries in Eastern and Northern Europe. New risks, like cyberattacks and weak digital infrastructure, also deserve more attention. This study looks at how governments in Finland and parts of Central and Eastern Europe have responded. It focuses on three questions: (1) Which policies have actually helped businesses in conflict zones? (2) What impact have financial aid, regulatory tweaks, and digital upgrades had on business resilience? (3) What lessons can we draw for future policy? The study is based on academic research, government documents, and real-world examples. It shows that regional trade deals, producing goods closer to home, and strong digital institutions help companies survive in uncertain times. Cybersecurity and cross-border cooperation also matter more than ever, especially with rising threats from state-led attacks. Our paper aims to bring practical evidence into the conversation on how to support businesses facing geopolitical risks and give policymakers some concrete ideas to work with.