YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ATTITUDES AND ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS IN BULGARIA

Abstract

This study examines the entrepreneurial attitudes, intentions, and activities of students in Bulgaria based on data from the global empirical research project GUESSS 2023. A total of 1,742 students from 31 Bulgarian universities participated in the survey. The analysis focuses on young people's career preferences, the factors influencing their entrepreneurial motivation, and the role of the university environment. The results show that 22% of students intend to start their own business immediately after graduation, with this share increasing to 37% within five years. Special attention is given to the impact of entrepreneurship education, institutional support, and family entrepreneurial background. The article also includes a comparative analysis of Bulgaria in relation to both global and European trends, along with specific recommendations for promoting student entrepreneurship.