El emprendimiento juvenil universitario en Guayaquil como motor de independencia económica

Abstract

This research analyzes university student entrepreneurship in Guayaquil as a driver of economic independence, within a context of limited job opportunities for young people. The importance of this study stems from the need to understand entrepreneurship as a viable option for income generation and local economic development. The overall objective was to analyze university student entrepreneurship as a path to economic independence, based on the following specific objectives: to identify the factors influencing the decision to become an entrepreneur, to determine the main characteristics of university ventures, and to propose support strategies that strengthen their sustainability. The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with a descriptive, non-experimental, and cross-sectional design. Data was collected through surveys administered to a sample of 384 university students in Guayaquil. These findings were complemented by semi-structured interviews with experts and young entrepreneurs. The results revealed that entrepreneurship is an important option for university students to generate income and achieve economic independence. However, it faces challenges related to access to financing, training, formalization, and institutional support. Therefore, the role of universities and public policies in strengthening entrepreneurial skills is emphasized. In conclusion, the study finds that university student entrepreneurship is a viable path to promoting economic independence and contributing to local economic development in the city of Guayaquil.