(ECNS) -- A study by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) think-tank found that over 60 percent of university students show an interest in launching startups, preferably in China's second-tier cities.
CCG surveyed 2,797 students from 100 domestic universities to understand their willingness in entrepreneurship.
Li Qing, a lead researcher at CCG, said students majoring in engineering, management or economics tend to be more active in innovation and startups.
Over 42 percent in the survey said they think they will have better chances of development by engaging in startups at school while 28.32 percent saw it as a way of self-actualization. The third reason was economic gain.
Li also said there are nearly 80 percent more knew governmental efforts driving economic transformation on the "twin engines" of popular entrepreneurship and mass innovation.
Students learn about how to start businesses and become innovative mainly through activities organized by schools, at 22.58 percent, or student organizations, at 17.15 percent. Nearly 98 percent thought it necessary for schools to open courses on entrepreneurship and innovation.
First-tier cities have fallen from favor among students due to the rising cost of living and business operation as well as traffic congestion, while second-tier cities have become favorites for startups as a result of rapid growth and improving infrastructure, according to Li.
While 49.6 percent of respondents preferred second-tier cities, 32.5 percent pinned their hopes on Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Li urged universities to play a more active role in helping student startup efforts. Other experts also called on authorities to offer more support measures including preferential tax rates or starting courses to get students better prepared to start companies.
