The Characteristics of Successful Founders: Focus on Chemistry Students in Germany and Poland

Abstract

Universities with chemistry departments are expected to produce so-called “chempreneurs” – entrepreneurs from the field of chemistry who contribute to the sustainable transformation of the industry through innovative ideas. However, chemistry students in Germany are 54% less likely to start their own businesses than the average student. Against this backdrop, a comparative study was conducted among chemistry students in Germany and Poland. The aim was to identify demographic factors that distinguish potential entrepreneurs from their fellow students. A sample of 498 German and 313 Polish students was divided into three groups (low, medium, high) based on their intention to start a business. The results of variance analyses (ANOVA) show significant differences in all constructs examined in favor of the group with a high intention to start a business. A supplementary descriptive evaluation of typical demographic characteristics (including age, gender, and migration background) underscores structural differences and provides impetus for universities and political actors to specifically promote entrepreneurial thinking in the STEM field.