Teaching entrepreneurs for the dynamic economic environment: a case-study of student startup competitions

The article examines the aspects of the formation of entrepreneurial skills among students in the conditions of dynamic development of the modern economy. The authors consider the experience of holding a competition of student startups (Hackathon) as an interesting opportunity for students to demonstrate theoretical knowledge in practice. But an important component of such competitions is the jury, which must be knowledgeable and competent. That is why the authors paid attention to the aspects of attracting business and investors to such contests and their motivation to participate in such contests as a jury.The literature review shows that most research focuses on the importance of developing practical projects and conducting relevant competitions to form entrepreneurial skills in students. However, the issue of motivation and involvement of business representatives in such competitions remains insufficiently researched, so the authors focus on this aspect. The research analyses the practice of organizing the student competition of innovative ideas, Mohyla Open Hackathon “BE FIRST,” and the results of a survey of the competition’s jury members.In general, the jury members have a positive attitude towards such activities and show a desire to participate in similar events in the future, indicating the innovative and business community’s interest in such events as part of the ecosystem’s development and growth. One of the biggest advantages of hackathons is the benefits for participants, primarily students. However, our research shows that the benefits for judges are also significant and include personal (networking, improving communication skills, etc.) and professional (seeing students in action and understanding their potential for the industry and job market) advantages.Such competitions serve several roles: (1) demonstrating to university stakeholders the practical skills and competencies of students that are important for better employability, (2) enabling students to develop entrepreneurial skills, promoting proactivity and a greater propensity for self-employment, and (3) creating an environment for developing new ideas and introducing innovations, ensuring the sustainable development of the economy. Thus, the expansion of startup competitions appears to be an important and effective mechanism for promoting entrepreneurship in university settings.