A Proposal to Enhance the Role of Saudi Universities in Spreading the Entrepreneurial Culture among Students: A Field Study on State Universities in Riyadh

Abstract

The study aimed at presenting a proposal to enhance the role of Saudi governmental universities in Riyadh in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among their students through identifying the status quo, obstacles and means to enhance such culture among students from their perspectives. The study made use of the descriptive survey method through a questionnaire, administered electronically to (482) students of Saudi state universities in Riyadh. The study found that the role of Saudi universities in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among their students from their point of view was moderate, while the dimensions of obstacles and means to strengthen the role were agreed upon. The most important roles were: Entrepreneurship is included in the vision and mission of the University, and university provides training programs for students in the field of entrepreneurship. The most important obstacles hindered the role of universities in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among their students: the spread of the culture of “the governmental job is more secured” among students, the weakness of the spirit of risk and adventure required for entrepreneurs, and poor communication between the university and the private sector to fund entrepreneurial projects of students. The most important means to strengthen the role of Saudi universities in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among the Saudi youths include: enhancing the confidence of students in their abilities and skills, and providing training programs for students in the fields of entrepreneurship. In light of its results, the study presented a well-thought-out procedural proposal to enhance the role of Saudi universities in spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among university youths.