EN
The article is intended to review the literature based on an empirical survey of young technology companies in Hungary. It begins by mapping the 'conceptual jungle', presenting the often synonymous and hybrid terms applied to the technology firms, interpreting the various definitions, and arriving at a possible definition of this group of businesses. It then uses international research findings to estimate the real economic role of the technology firms. From the theoretical side and summing up the main findings of the empirical research, it identifies the conditions influencing its growth and the possible paths of its development. Finally, the author prepares a snapshot of the situation in this country, describes the main findings of earlier researches into technology businesses, and points to a need for a comprehensive empirical research project.