Entrepreneurial competencies of university students

Abstract

Entrepreneurial competencies have become a tool that can be learned. Education encourages the entrepreneurial way of thinking at the individual level, and thus develops the societal outlook. Various EU funds and non-profit organizations support initiatives for the development of entrepreneurial competencies and educating young people as this has been recognized as an important element of building a global society. This research was conducted through an online survey at two private universities, Singidunum in Serbia and Libertas International University in Croatia, on a sample of 864 students. The aim of the research was to examine the differences and similarities in entrepreneurial competencies, as well as to consider the attitudes and factors that affect the genesis and degree of entrepreneurial competencies. The age of the students, gender, field of study and career choice after studying were chosen as the variables and examined in relation to the entrepreneurial competencies of young people. Based on our results, the age of students does not correlate with entrepreneurial competencies. There is a significant difference in entrepreneurial competencies in relation to gender and career choice after graduation, but no substantial difference in terms of the field of study. The obtained research results indicate the need for further development of entrepreneurial competencies at universities.