Entrepreneurial competencies in research based on EntreComp among student youth in Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to assess the level of creativity and the ability of student youth to spot business opportunities, generate, assess and develop business ideas with ethical and sustainable thinking approach - as important part of entrepreneurial competencies crucial in the process of innovative business venture creation. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted in 2020 on students’ groups studying at three different universities in Poland in South-Eastern Poland. The survey with use of questionnaire was conducted according to EntreComp Framework in the area of “ideas and opportunities”. Findings: The overall results are optimistic as the youth surveyed feel innovative, curious, open and able to recognize the value of ideas that are promising traits for their future business creation. The results show that the surveyed youth was differentiated in the competency's assessment regarding the field of study and university, study degree, gender, professional situation and place of residence. Practical Implications: Research enabled to examine entrepreneurial competencies among student youth and form recommendations for focusing in educating student youth in the area of developing ideas that create value for others, sharing and protecting ideas, and uncovering needs and strengthening efforts in order to drive sustainable thinking. Originality/value: The originality of the research is based on the use of the EntreComp methodology, which allows to diagnose and then develop key competencies for the development of entrepreneurship according to the framework promoted by European Commission. The added value of the research is elaboration of the synthetic index "ideas and opportunities", which allows a joint assessment of the individual competences included in this area.