Talents – to Business: Support for Entrepreneurial Strategies of Student Youth

Abstract

The article assesses the changes in the role of classical universities in transforming the socio-economic environment in territories where they are located, addresses the problems of developing effective talent management systems and innovation and research infrastructure of business type. In the face of a new technological paradigm requirements for training future specialists change, they include not only transferring basic and professional knowledge, but development of students’ creative abilities, activating opportunities for their self-fulfillment, autonomy, mobility, ability to work in a problematic situation as well. In this regard, the article substantiates the urgency of entrepreneurial training at universities, as well as the need to identify and support business strategies of student youth. The article discusses the issue of introducing individual undergraduate programs in entrepreneurship. The article provides the experience of I.N. Ulianov Chuvash State University in creating a continuing multilevel education system which makes it possible for all motivated students of any major and specialty to receive basic competences in the field of entrepreneurship. Particular attention is paid to the development of innovation-research infrastructure of business type in the region and at the University. The article describes the experience and prospects of ChuvSU business incubator, which should become an effective tool for generating a new wave of entrepreneurs in the region. Technologies of the business incubator which are aimed at timely identifying persons capable of entrepreneurial activity, at making students’ entrepreneurial initiatives more active, at assisting in developing business skills and obtaining the necessary knowledge have been examined. Effective functioning of the business incubator is regarded as a factor in increasing the University brand value. The business incubator now faces the issues in its work, which cannot be solved without participation of public authorities and business organizations in the region. The article substantiates the need of preparing a training program together with the region to support and retain talented students “Future leaders of Chuvashia economy”, consisting of basic blocks: education, innovation and research infrastructure; support system for innovative entrepreneurial initiatives; infrastructure management.