A comparative perspective of Romanian North-East region entrepreneurship: Insights from the White Charter analysis and survey-based results

Our research focuses on examining the role of economic education and policies in fostering entrepreneurship in Romania, with particular attention to the emerging challenges posed by Industry 4.0 and the shift toward Industry 5.0. We aim to identify the key competencies that entrepreneurs need to develop and explore the teaching methods needed to adapt economic education to current requirements. At the same time, we will outline the entrepreneur's traits and propose in the final paper a model of economic development specific to Romania, integrating the influences of political and educational factors, to support sustainable and competitive entrepreneurship. Finally, we will provide concrete recommendations for improving entrepreneurial education and development strategies. Our research is essential to meet the economic and technological challenges brought by Industry 4.0. In a rapidly changing labor market, economic education must adapt to prepare competent and innovative professionals. This research will help develop a modern educational framework that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship and aligns with current market needs. We will also investigate effective educational methods to ensure that future graduates are both theoretically and practically prepared for a dynamic economic environment. We used a mixed methodology, combining descriptive, explanatory, and applied methods to analyze the entrepreneurial phenomenon in Romania. The main methodological tools used were triangulation, for data validation and consistency, and questionnaires, to collect primary data on the perceptions of entrepreneurial actors. This approach allowed us to integrate both theoretical and empirical perspectives, providing a balanced and relevant analysis. This study seeks to explore the influence of economic education and policy frameworks on fostering entrepreneurship in Romania, focusing on the technological and economic shifts associated with Industry 4.0 and the anticipated transition to Industry 5.0. It aims to pinpoint the essential skills and competencies that Romanian entrepreneurs must acquire to thrive in an increasingly digital and dynamic economy. What sets this research apart is its innovative integration of economic education, entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges posed by the dual transition of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. In contrast to studies that examine these elements in isolation, this research takes a comprehensive approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of educational reform, technological advancements, and policy evolution.