Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector

ObjectivesEntrepreneurship in Pakistan is steadily growing, significantly impacting on economic development and job creation, despite facing several challenges. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of students and faculty members about entrepreneurship in public and private universities i...

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Main Authors: Khurram Mehboob, Muhammad Ali, Noor Hassan, Zeeshan Mehboob, Muhammad Faisal Mushtaq, Rana Hamad Ullah, Muhammad Zahid Akhtar, Muhammad Akram Tariq, Khalida Parveen, Riffat Mehboob
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1516734/full
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author Khurram Mehboob
Muhammad Ali
Noor Hassan
Zeeshan Mehboob
Muhammad Faisal Mushtaq
Rana Hamad Ullah
Muhammad Zahid Akhtar
Muhammad Akram Tariq
Khalida Parveen
Riffat Mehboob
author_facet Khurram Mehboob
Muhammad Ali
Noor Hassan
Zeeshan Mehboob
Muhammad Faisal Mushtaq
Rana Hamad Ullah
Muhammad Zahid Akhtar
Muhammad Akram Tariq
Khalida Parveen
Riffat Mehboob
author_sort Khurram Mehboob
collection DOAJ
description ObjectivesEntrepreneurship in Pakistan is steadily growing, significantly impacting on economic development and job creation, despite facing several challenges. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of students and faculty members about entrepreneurship in public and private universities in Pakistan. It also sought to evaluate the barriers and motivational factors promoting entrepreneurship among these universities.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, and a comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to collect data. A total of 213 individuals from different disciplines took part in the study. This study examines the similarities and differences in the views of faculty members and students toward entrepreneurship by using SPSS 25.ResultsIn terms of motivation, 72% of private sector participants cited income satisfaction as a key factor, compared to 58% in the public sector. The proportion of participants willing to apply for funding for entrepreneurial support was 68%, predominantly among private sector participants (75% vs. 61%). Access to training programs was reported by 62%, but private universities provided 35% more institutional support. The results of the chi-squared test revealed that institutional business courses, startup funding, and funding applications were significantly correlated in public and private sectors. Key risks identified included a lack of access to funding (42%), inadequate workforce skills (37%), and limited market opportunities (29%). Fresh graduate entrepreneurial failures were attributed to lack of experience (43%) and market adaptability (33%). The study also highlighted the connection between entrepreneurial activities and mental health issues, including frustration, burnout, and a lack of motivation for business. Both groups showed similar perceptions regarding business potential and suggested mentorship as a key area for improving entrepreneurship.ConclusionThe study suggests that promoting entrepreneurship in Pakistan should focus on targeted interventions through the initiation of psychoeducational training, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Additionally, these policies should identify the sectoral issues they aim to solve while incorporating mental health policies to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Extending the study to include various industries and stakeholders will be another direction for future research to improve policy and practice.
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spelling doaj-art-2be1300ceb7d4173ad944d52c846f1182025-02-06T07:10:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-02-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15167341516734Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sectorKhurram Mehboob0Muhammad Ali1Noor Hassan2Zeeshan Mehboob3Muhammad Faisal Mushtaq4Rana Hamad Ullah5Muhammad Zahid Akhtar6Muhammad Akram Tariq7Khalida Parveen8Riffat Mehboob9Lahore Medical Research Center, Lahore, PakistanLahore Medical Research Center, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Chemistry, Government Graduate College Township, Lahore, PakistanLahore Medical Research Center, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Nursing, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, PakistanPak Red Crescent Medical & Dental College, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Food Science & Human Nutrition, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Botany, Government Graduate College Township, Lahore, PakistanCollege of Teacher Education, Quijing Normal University, Yunnan, ChinaLahore Medical Research Center, Lahore, PakistanObjectivesEntrepreneurship in Pakistan is steadily growing, significantly impacting on economic development and job creation, despite facing several challenges. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of students and faculty members about entrepreneurship in public and private universities in Pakistan. It also sought to evaluate the barriers and motivational factors promoting entrepreneurship among these universities.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, and a comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to collect data. A total of 213 individuals from different disciplines took part in the study. This study examines the similarities and differences in the views of faculty members and students toward entrepreneurship by using SPSS 25.ResultsIn terms of motivation, 72% of private sector participants cited income satisfaction as a key factor, compared to 58% in the public sector. The proportion of participants willing to apply for funding for entrepreneurial support was 68%, predominantly among private sector participants (75% vs. 61%). Access to training programs was reported by 62%, but private universities provided 35% more institutional support. The results of the chi-squared test revealed that institutional business courses, startup funding, and funding applications were significantly correlated in public and private sectors. Key risks identified included a lack of access to funding (42%), inadequate workforce skills (37%), and limited market opportunities (29%). Fresh graduate entrepreneurial failures were attributed to lack of experience (43%) and market adaptability (33%). The study also highlighted the connection between entrepreneurial activities and mental health issues, including frustration, burnout, and a lack of motivation for business. Both groups showed similar perceptions regarding business potential and suggested mentorship as a key area for improving entrepreneurship.ConclusionThe study suggests that promoting entrepreneurship in Pakistan should focus on targeted interventions through the initiation of psychoeducational training, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Additionally, these policies should identify the sectoral issues they aim to solve while incorporating mental health policies to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Extending the study to include various industries and stakeholders will be another direction for future research to improve policy and practice.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1516734/fullentrepreneurship challengesbusiness perceptionsacademic sectorbusiness motivationbusiness supportpsycho-educational interventions
spellingShingle Khurram Mehboob
Muhammad Ali
Noor Hassan
Zeeshan Mehboob
Muhammad Faisal Mushtaq
Rana Hamad Ullah
Muhammad Zahid Akhtar
Muhammad Akram Tariq
Khalida Parveen
Riffat Mehboob
Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
Frontiers in Education
entrepreneurship challenges
business perceptions
academic sector
business motivation
business support
psycho-educational interventions
title Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
title_full Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
title_fullStr Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
title_short Exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of perceptions, challenges, and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
title_sort exploring the landscape of entrepreneurship in pakistan a comparative analysis of perceptions challenges and the need for psychoeducational interventions in the academic sector
topic entrepreneurship challenges
business perceptions
academic sector
business motivation
business support
psycho-educational interventions
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1516734/full
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