El impacto de la educación secundaria y superior en la creación de empresas en la Unión Europea

Abstract

This paper offers the results of a research study conducted to understand the impact of secondary and higher education on entrepreneurship rates. Following a multi-country approach, we analyze the different impact of educational levels on formal, informal and total entrepreneurship. The results show that secondary and higher education increase the self-confidence level, reduce perceived risks and provide knowledge, skills, resources and contacts needed to successfully face all the difficulties associated with the creation of a formal company. Simultaneously, they increase consciousness and sensitivity towards the possible negative implications derived from informal entrepreneurship, which ultimately also impact total entrepreneurship negatively. These results revalue the utility of secondary and higher education, suggest curricular policy changes and highlight the crucial role of education, not only on the economic activity and the creation of companies, but also, from an axiological perspective, on the promotion of an ethical entrepreneurs' behaviour.