Entrepreneurial tendencies among highly educated students in Germany and Italy - A cross-national study

Abstract

Continuous and breakthrough industrial innovations are essential for sustainability and the success of modern economies. As the development of innovative products and technologies is often performed within start-up enterprises, the facilitation of entrepreneurial spirit is of major political interest. However, central European countries like Italy and Germany lack behind as highly educated students rather prefer more conventional career paths. In this study we surveyed Bachelor, Master and PhD students in Germany and Italy to further understand the cultural and socio-geographic effects on career decisions. Although only minor differences could be detected among the peer-group, beneficial observations were derived, identifying key-motivators and cultural necessities.

Keywords

• Innovation Management
• Career Decisions
• Germany
• Italy
• Entrepreneurship education