CROWDINVESTING AS A MODERN FORM OF CROWD INVOLVEMENT (PRELIMINARY RESEARCH RESULTS)

Purpose: Presented study examines the evolution of crowdinvesting awareness among Polish university students. It compares survey results from 2020 and 2023. The aim of the research is to evaluate changes in understanding, participation, and attitudes toward various forms of crowdfunding. Design/methodology/approach: The study consists of a comparative analysis of two surveys conducted among second-year undergraduate economics students. The 2023 survey replicates the methodology of the 2020 study, although a simple research framework was structured around a three-stage model of crowd involvement that highlights: awareness, interest, and engagement. Google Forms was used to collect data on crowdfunding awareness, interest, and engagement. Findings: The results reveal a significant decline in crowdfunding awareness, with the percentage of students who had never heard of equity crowdfunding increasing from 17% in 2020 to 50,7% in 2023. However, engagement patterns show stability, with approximately 35% of respondents participating in crowdfunding campaigns. Notably, while donation-based crowdfunding remains dominant, its share decreased from 62,9% to 50,7%, with slight increases in investment-oriented forms. Research limitations/implications: The main study's limitation is a relatively small sample size. It also focuses only on economics students, which may not represent the broader population. The comparison between different groups of respondents presents methodological constraints. Analysis of the evolution of the same group responses would be more appropriate. Practical implications: The findings suggest a need for enhanced educational initiatives and improved communication strategies in the crowdfunding sector. It applies both companies and platforms seeking to attract younger investors. Social implications: The research highlights potential gaps in understanding and acknowledging of opportunities that arise for future entrepreneurs and investors through better awareness of alternative financing methods. Originality/value: This study provides comparative analyses of how crowdfunding awareness changed among Polish students. That offers insights into patterns of financial engagement of future investors.