Central European Business Review X:X | DOI: 10.18267/j.cebr.424

Enhancing Entrepreneurial Competence of Generation Z: A Knowledge Management Perspective

Hana Trávníčková ORCID...1, Ondřej Moš ORCID...2
1 Ambis University, Prague; Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Economics, Liberec
2 Technical University of Liberec, The University Company TUL, Liberec

This paper investigates the development of entrepreneurial competence (EC) in Central Europe through the lens of knowledge management. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines secondary data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey (GUESSS) with primary institutional data (online questionnaire with closed- and open-ended items, complemented by a structured group discussion) covering 62% of Czech public higher education institutions (HEIs). Results show that Czech students are less inclined to pursue entrepreneurship than their global peers, despite Generation Z’s predisposition toward entrepreneurial activity. Moreover, EC development at Czech HEIs is inconsistent and lacks systematic coordination. The research highlights disparities in institutional responsibility, funding, and target group size across universities. While all HEIs conduct EC-related activities, systematic inter-university knowledge sharing remains limited. This paper argues that integrating knowledge management at a national or inter-university level could enhance EC development by enabling better networking, knowledge retention, and innovation. The findings offer strategic guidance for businesses, policymakers, and HEI leaders seeking to systematise entrepreneurial education for Generation Z at universities. Implications for Central European audience: The findings offer a practical roadmap for Central European HEIs to systematically enhance entrepreneurial competence education by leveraging knowledge management. A coordinated approach can help ensure consistent development of EC among Generation Z. The paper encourages businesses and policymakers to initiate inter-university collaboration, especially in countries with similar innovation profiles to the Czech Republic.

Keywords: entrepreneurial competencies; Generation Z; higher education; knowledge management

Received: May 14, 2025; Revised: August 4, 2026; Accepted: September 7, 2026; Prepublished online: September 21, 2026 

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