TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER ENGINEERING EDUCATION TOWARDS THE FORMATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES

Abstract

The article examines the relevance of the formation of entrepreneurial competencies among engineering students in the context of the digital transformation of the economy and the demands of the modern labor market. The authors analyze the gap between academic training and the requirements of the real sector: despite the high level of creativity and reflection among students, there is a weak formation of digital literacy, uncertainty management skills and practical application of startup design tools. Based on a survey of 182 KNRTU students, an analysis of academic disciplines and expert interviews, key deficiencies were identified: low risk tolerance, insufficient knowledge of digital tools (Google Analytics, funnel analytics, UTM tags), limited understanding of the ecosystem of entrepreneurship. The paper proposes a hybrid model for integrating entrepreneurial education into engineering training through practice—oriented modules, case studies of real enterprises (KAMAZ, Tatneft), cooperation with accelerators and the development of meta-subject skills (cognitive flexibility, dealing with procrastination, ethics of digital entrepreneurship). It is emphasized that entrepreneurial competence is not just a business skill, but a component of managerial and innovation agency necessary for leadership in the face of technological challenges. It is proposed to develop a standard of "entrepreneurial literacy" for engineering programs, including behavioral indicators and focused on the formation of an active professional position.