ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET AMONG YOUTH: ASSESSING READINESS FOR LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

Abstract

The need to foster youth leadership, innovation, and economic development is contingent on having an entrepreneurial mindset. This study aimed to measure young individuals‘ readiness towards entrepreneurial leadership, in terms of their perceptions, abilities and challenges. Using a thematic analysis all key themes from the speeches included financial constraints, the role of education as a leader, the potential for leadership, and the need for innovation. They are also found to be resourceful and have high leadership potential and interest in entrepreneurship, but are faced with challenges of access to capital and the regulation business, as well as a lack of access to practical education in entrepreneurship. Respondents indicated the need for mentorship programs, experiential learning and policy support for readiness and embrace of entrepreneurial behavior. Therefore according to the study, entrepreneurship education and the surrounding ecosystem play a major role in the shaping of youth-driven innovation and business creation. It contributes by discussing policy intervention, curriculum reform, and support for strategic motions that could rally a strong youth entrepreneurial culture. As such, future research must investigate what are the long-term results of entrepreneurship education on youth business success
and their involvement in the development of the economy.