ASSESSING DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRACTICES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

Abstract: The rapid transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 and the advent of digital technologies have transformed entrepreneurship as it demands new skills and approaches across the Asia-Pacific region. This study assesses the integration of digital entrepreneurship within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions by examining institutional practices, skill gaps, curriculum design, and industry collaboration. Data were collected from 15 TVET educators, administrators, and industry partners representing 11 member countries during the Colombo Plan Staff College Regional Program in India (November 2025). Findings reveal that Digital/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and technical industry-specific skills remain critical gaps, while Social Enterprise/Inclusive Business and Digital Entrepreneurship modules are increasingly embedded in the curricula. Experiential initiatives, including industry internships, workshops, and commercialization of student innovations, are prevalent, yet mentorship and R&D collaborations are limited. Key barriers include funding constraints, faculty capacity, and infrastructural gaps. Strategies to enhance youth entrepreneurship emphasize curriculum reform, capacity building, and stronger industry linkages. The study underscores the need for coordinated, human-centered, and digitally enabled interventions to advance inclusive and innovation-driven entrepreneurship in regional TVET systems.