Entrepreneurship of university students in Taiwan and Japan

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to develop empirically an international comparison of the extent of student entrepreneurship and the factors influencing it. This study explores the factors responsible for the richness of entrepreneurship in Taiwan through a comparison with entrepreneurship in Japan. Looking at factors that determine the extent of entrepreneurship, the discussion builds on previous studies based on individual traits and those that are based on environments, such as a social system or climate. This study focuses on the individual and the environment.Design/methodology/approach– After identifying pertinent issues through a survey of relevant studies, a comparative study of Taiwan and Japan was undertaken. A questionnaire survey was distributed to around 20-year-old university students. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether there is cause–effect relationship between environmental and individual factors and university students’ entrepreneurship, and to assess the significant differences between entrepreneurship in Taiwan and Japan. In addition, a qualitative case study of university politics related to entrepreneurship in Taiwan was conducted to complement the quantitative analysis.Findings– Results of the study by country indicate that the environmental factors and individual factors that influence entrepreneurship differ.Originality/value– The reciprocal complementarity of the environmental factors and the individual factors or the likelihood of co-evolution cyclic dynamism is demonstrated.