AI and student entrepreneurship: perceptions, practices, and challenges in the path to sustainable innovation

Abstract

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in student entrepreneurship, focusing on students’ perceptions, current practices, and challenges in using AI for innovative and sustainable business development. The main objectives are to explore how students involved in entrepreneurial activities perceive and utilize AI tools, to assess the contribution of AI to creativity, innovation, and sustainability-oriented ventures, and to generate insights relevant for higher education curriculum development.

A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative data from an online survey administered to students enrolled in entrepreneurship and business programmes with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with student entrepreneurs who have integrated AI into their startups. This approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of both general trends and individual experiences related to AI adoption in entrepreneurial projects.

The findings indicate that most students recognize the usefulness of AI, particularly for automating routine tasks and supporting business planning. However, the use of advanced AI applications, such as machine learning and predictive analytics, remains limited due to skills gaps, insufficient training, and restricted access to technical resources. Students engaged in sustainability-focused projects tend to view AI as a significant enabler of innovation and environmental impact.

The study concludes that AI has strong potential to enhance student entrepreneurship by improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and supporting scalable and sustainable solutions. To fully realize this potential, higher education institutions should update curricula to include practical AI training, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary approaches, while also improving access to digital infrastructure. These measures are essential for empowering the next generation of student entrepreneurs in an AI-driven economy.