Abstract
3,191 universities from 54 countries participated in the GUESSS 2018 survey of student entrepreneurial spirit. The global survey produced a total of 208,636 valid responses. In Japan, 49 universities and graduate schools participated, producing a total of 4,150 valid responses.
The purpose of this survey report is to understand the characteristics of entrepreneurial intention among Japanese students using the above data. Comparing results from all participating countries with those from Japan, we find that when asked about career preferences at graduation and in five years, a higher proportion of students in Japan hope to be employees. This tendency has been consistent since 2011 when the survey was first conducted in Japan. Students showing stronger entrepreneurial intention are those from departments of engineering, arts, and business administration. The intention among male students is higher than among female students. Regarding family, the intention of students whose mothers are self-employed is higher than others.
The rate of enrolment in entrepreneurship lectures has been increasing since the survey began. In particular, students who intend to be entrepreneurs immediately after graduation are more likely to be taking such lectures.
We examined whether differences in major, university location and parental occupation affect several variables including entrepreneurial intention. There was clear evidence that differences in major, university location and parental occupation produce significant effects.
