Understanding Entrepreneurship and Its Motivational Foundations: Evidence from Higher Education Students

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the basic concepts and motivations of entrepreneurship, as well as the benefits of implementing these values for students in the modern era. The development of an orientation toward economic independence has significantly changed the mindset and work readiness of students in Indonesia. Before the development of the campus entrepreneurial ecosystem, most students still used conventional methods to find work, relying solely on the formal sector after graduation. However, changes in the dynamic labor market require students to understand the fundamentals of business and cultivate an internal drive in the form of strong entrepreneurial motivation. This study aims to examine the theoretical foundations, factors that trigger motivation, and the role of entrepreneurial activities in improving soft skills, financial independence, and creating new jobs. This study uses a literature study method through data collection from 15 scientific journals and 5 e-books relevant to the topic of basic concepts and motivation of student entrepreneurship. The results of the discussion are: 1) understanding basic concepts and stimulating entrepreneurial motivation has been proven effective in shaping leadership character, creativity, and problem-solving abilities of students; 2) the encouragement of motivation and business practices since college can help students in reducing financial dependence, expanding professional networks, and making a real contribution to reducing the number of educated unemployment. The novelty of this article is the focus of the analysis on the integration of digital skills that strengthen business resilience and multiply student entrepreneurial motivation, so that entrepreneurship becomes an important strategy that must be implemented by higher education institutions so that students are able to survive and thrive in the midst of modern economic competition.