How external factors impact new venture creation by students in Norway

Abstract

Due to falling oil price, Norway is looking towards entrepreneurs to create new jobs and revitalize its economy. In such a scenario, ensuring students take up entrepreneurship as a career is more important than ever before. This thesis explores literature pertaining to environmental factors like Government policies and procedures, Socioeconomic conditions, Entrepreneurial and business skills, Financial assistance and Non-financial assistance, which impact new venture creation to understand how those factors impact student entrepreneurs at University of Oslo (UiO) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). This thesis uses an exploratory qualitative multi-case study approach to draw cross-case conclusions. Eight qualitative interviews were conducted for this thesis, wherein three were student entrepreneurs from UiO, four were student entrepreneurs from NTNU and one investor who has worked extensively with student entrepreneurs from several universities across Norway. The interview findings were collated based on the literature reviewed. Based on the findings, this study recommends ways of boosting entrepreneurship among students studying at various universities in Norway.