EU strategies to encourage youth entrepreneurship: Evidence from higher education in Greece

Abstract

The authors present and discuss significant aspects of youth entrepreneurship in the European Union (EU) and, especially, in higher education institutions in Greece. The structure of this paper is as follows. First, the study introduces a conceptual basis for entrepreneurship as defined in the EU and looks at entrepreneurship in the context of actions taken by the European Council and especially by the European Commission. The significance of entrepreneurship, embedded in substantial economic factors such as growth, development, employment, education and training, etc, and its objectives are then discussed, particularly in relation to students in higher education. Second, the study refers briefly to current policies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that could influence the EU's entrepreneurship strategies. Third, the authors assess the status of youth entrepreneurship and its influence on students in the Greek higher education system, applying an empirical methodology. To explore the behaviour and attitudes of HE students towards entrepreneurship, the authors analyse data collected by means of a specially designed questionnaire. The sample selected comprised male and female undergraduate students studying in various disciplines at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Serres. The results are evaluated and their implications for educational programmes at universities, TEIs, business schools, etc, are considered.