ENTREPRENEURIAL FUTURE SKILLS: A REVIEW OF POSITIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL BEHAVIOR COMPETENCIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Abstract The dynamic evolution of industries of the future demands a reconfiguration of entrepreneurial competencies. As emerging generations—Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha—confront increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments, there is a pressing need to revisit the foundations of entrepreneurial behavior from a positive psychology perspective. This study systematically reviews the literature surrounding future entrepreneurial skills, emphasizing the role of Positive Entrepreneurial Behavior (PEB) as a critical framework. Building upon core theories of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial behavior, entrepreneurial traits, positive psychology, and positive organizational behavior, this review synthesizes how future competencies intersect with psychological strengths such as resilience, optimism, hope, and self-efficacy. Conceptual frameworks from industries of the future further inform the necessary transformation of entrepreneurial skills for the next generation. A systematic literature review methodology was employed, identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles published over the last two decades. Inclusion criteria centered on studies addressing entrepreneurial competencies, positive psychological constructs, and generational shifts. The findings reveal five core clusters of future entrepreneurial competencies driven by positive behavior: adaptive resilience, opportunity optimism, creative problem-solving, sustainable innovation orientation, and inclusive leadership. Moreover, the analysis highlights that PEB operates as both a psychological catalyst and a structural enabler for entrepreneurial flourishing in future industries. The synthesis underscores the emergence of PEB as an integrative theoretical bridge between traditional entrepreneurial frameworks and the evolving demands of a digitalized, sustainable, and human-centric economic landscape. Recommendations for educational, organizational, and policy interventions are proposed to nurture these competencies across generational cohorts. Positive Entrepreneurial Behavior represents a transformative paradigm essential for equipping future entrepreneurs to thrive amidst accelerating technological, environmental, and societal changes. Future research should aim to operationalize PEB constructs into measurable competencies applicable across diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems.