A new policy allowing university students to suspend studies and pursue their entrepreneurial dream has provoked heated public debate in China.

In December 2014, the Ministry of Education required universities and colleges to offer a more flexible course for students who want to launch their own startups. Schools were also asked to add entrepreneurship courses and invite entrepreneurs, investors and experts to share their knowledge and provide professional guidance to students. The ministry pledged assistance for students who temporarily drop out to foray into business adventure.

China will see 7.49 million graduates this summer, 220,000 more than last year's number. Getting them jobs has been one of the prime concerns of the government. The new policy seeks to lessen the crush for jobs by motivating more college students to become self-employed. However, public opinion on the policy remains divided.

Those supporting it say it provides an option to students really keen on going into business. At the same time, it also allows them a safety net. A budding entrepreneur can go back to his pursuit of a degree if the business venture does not work out. Critics, however, say it's a risky move for college students, whose priority should be acquiring knowledge. They also say that students are not mature enough to take the risks associated with business.

Pro

Lu Jun

Entrepreneurship advisor

Encouraging university students to suspend studies for entrepreneurial adventures is a significant move. Although the chance of success at this stage is slim, we should offer budding entrepreneurs entrepreneurship opportunities rather than stop them from trying. With practical and effective training and guidance, the current post-90s students, who are creative and enterprising, are more likely to succeed in their business dreams. 

Some developed countries have adopted the practice of offering guarantees for college students who are willing to undertake startups off campus. Students are allowed to drop out temporarily and get academic credits for entrepreneurship. In the United Kingdom, the Youth Business International, a global network of independent non-profit initiatives with the Prince of Wales as its patron, was launched in 2000 to encourage college students to start their own businesses by supporting them with expertise, capital, and social connections. Successful Internet entrepreneurs in the United States are often very young, many still being in college.

The popularity of mobile web services in China makes it easier for small businesses to emerge and grow. It presents a unique opportunity for college students to execute their entrepreneurial plans. Post-90s students are the most active netizens, being innovative and adventurous. They are good at utilizing social media which helps build a vast network of business connections efficiently at little cost. All of this makes the prospect of success brighter.

Currently, only a small part of academic and research achievements is applied to business. With the rapid growth of technology, some achievements become obsolete before they can be commercialized. College students, who have strong adaptability, are sufficiently technologically savvy and capable of operating a business. With an encouraging policy for entrepreneurs in place, they can put academic research into actual use and start a successful business.

Con

Long Minfei

Yangcheng Evening News

The policy reminds us of the inspirational stories of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg who quit school to start an entrepreneurial adventure and became Internet magnates. Their businesses have not only generated large-scale employment but also injected vigor in the economy. With the number of Chinese graduates going to hit a record high of 7.49 million, the policy provides a feasible solution to ease the intensifying employment pressure.

However, under the current circumstances, the policy may not achieve the maximum result. It has been reported that on average, only 3 percent of Chinese college students who start their own businesses finally succeed. This means even if there are supportive policies, self-employment cannot be a prevalent option for graduates.

There are two key reasons why the majority fail. College students are indeed enthusiastic about entrepreneurship. But they lack the necessary experience. It can be obtained only from a combination of systematic learning on campus and learning through social practices. Besides, supportive policies are not enough to stimulate innovation.

Previously, there was no professional guidance on how to start a business. Also, the directive to universities to invite successful entrepreneurs to share their expertise is only an initiative. It won't play its due role till it is institutionalized. So, it is not the proper time for the policy.  

Pro

Wang Yaohua

Student entrepreneur  

I am in favor of this policy as it provides an opportunity to students who really want to start businesses and are fully prepared to do so. Even if they fail, they have a chance to continue their studies after some delay.

Earlier last year, together with three peers, I registered a company to develop video games, a long-cherished dream. Since then, I have been shuttling between school and office to pass exams as well as keep the business running. But sometimes, it is impossible to balance both. Last May, I made great efforts and nailed down a deal but then had to postpone the lucrative project as I had to take a lot of exams back in school.

The current policy may change the scenario and allow students like me to focus on the business. What I further expect is that the study-postponing application procedure be simplified. And I hope our achievements in business can count for academic credits.  

Con

Zhao Lianqing

Company employee

Both skill and sufficient capital are indispensable for starting a successful business. Seemingly a problem-solving policy, the new guidelines in reality are not so easy to implement. College students take a high risk in starting their businesses. If they fail, they could lose a large sum of money. It would be a catastrophe for students who have no income. The burden would then be shifted to the parents.

Therefore when encouraging college students to start businesses, the government should not just throw them into society but give them actual support and services. Entrepreneurial training is highly recommended. Also, precautions should be taken for risks. In this regard, the government could subsidize business insurance for students to protect them from possible failures.

Pro

Wen Xin

cri.com

On the whole, the policy's positive effects outweigh the negative ones. It enables capable college students to seize transient opportunities for starting successful businesses. While allowing students to suspend their studies for business undertakings, schools should also offer courses in entrepreneurship and professional guidance so that students are better prepared.

People, parents in particular, may worry that students' academic careers would be marred if their business adventure turned to be a failure. But I don't think so. Starting a business is risky. But as adults, college students are capable of evaluating the risks they may encounter and deciding whether it is time to try their luck.

The encouraging policy by the Ministry of Education offers an option to failing students who are allowed to continue in the university. Those who succeed would reap both a diploma and a career.