Building Student Entrepreneurship Activities Through the Synergy of the University Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Abstract

Student entrepreneurship activities can be a driving force for the emergence of young entrepreneurs. Therefore, universities are making efforts to equip their students with the requisite entrepreneurial knowledge and skills for a conducive university entrepreneurial ecosystem. The present study employs a quantitative approach and survey-type research. The research method uses the explanatory method with research objects, including the internal environment of the institution, external environmental support, student entrepreneurial orientation, student entrepreneurial intentions, and student entrepreneurial activities. Data were collected through online questionnaires, which were randomly distributed to 456 students of 7 state universities and 11 private universities across Java and Sumatra, Indonesia. Descriptive and multivariate data analyses with a structural equation model was carried out using the IBM SPSS Amos 20.0 software. The study has propounded a research novelty called Entrepreneurship Eclectic Education, which combines several techniques, designs, and methods that have been proven valid, reliable, and feasible for adoption in universities. Such novelty is likely to trigger student performance in their entrepreneurial activities in the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is realized through a synergy between the internal and external environment of the institution that can foster an entrepreneurial orientation and then trigger students' entrepreneurial intentions, which leads to the creation of student entrepreneurial activities. This study offers valuable recommendations for higher education decision-makers to re-orient the entrepreneurship curriculum and create a conducive university entrepreneurship ecosystem.