Study: Young People Are Interested in Technology but Do Not Feel Capable Enough

Study: Young People Are Interested in Technology but Do Not Feel Capable Enough

More than half of Estonia’s young people find STEM+A subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts) interesting, but this interest often begins to decline as early as the 6th or 7th grade, according to the study “The Future Maker’s Journey: Do Tomorrow’s Skills Come from School, Extracurricular Activities, or YouTube?” commissioned by Startup Estonia.

According to Inga Kõue, Project Manager for Knowledge-Intensive Entrepreneurship at Startup Estonia, many young people envision a future career in technology and IT because of strong employment opportunities and attractive salaries. However, engineering receives considerably less attention.

“At an early age, children’s interests are often shaped by their parents. Later, siblings, friends, teachers, influencers, and social media also play an important role. Young people’s interest in technology often develops through local hobby groups or independent experimentation with computers. Interest in entrepreneurship usually emerges much later, typically in upper secondary school or vocational education, but it is often accompanied by a fear of failure and concerns about the demands associated with entrepreneurship,” said Kõue.

The extensive study, conducted by the Centre for Applied Anthropology and the Estonian Research Centre, found that an increasing number of young people are gaining exposure to STEM+A subjects and entrepreneurial skills through extracurricular education rather than the formal school system.

However, deeper engagement with STEM+A fields is often hindered by lack of time, heavy workloads, and the perception that these subjects are difficult to pursue independently. Although young people generally believe that girls and boys have equal potential to succeed in STEM+A disciplines, significantly more boys than girls express interest in natural sciences, technology, and engineering. The researchers therefore recommend continuing dedicated efforts to encourage girls to pursue STEM+A subjects.

Madli Oras, anthropologist at the Centre for Applied Anthropology, noted that more young people could be attracted to STEM+A subjects if schools taught them in a more practical and real-world context.

“Young people’s interest in STEM+A and entrepreneurship develops through experimentation, discovery, and hands-on learning. However, the results clearly show that without support, this interest often fades in grades 6 and 7. The study also revealed that parents’ belief that these subjects are difficult and not suitable for everyone can discourage young people from pursuing them,” said Oras.

The study found that sustaining interest requires achievable challenges, positive learning experiences, supportive friendships, encouraging social environments, and inspiring teachers or mentors.

Factors contributing to declining interest include:

• Friends leaving extracurricular activities
• A loss of playfulness in education
• Lack of flexibility in hobby education programs
• Insufficient challenges
• Challenges that are perceived as too difficult

“One of the study’s clearest findings is that the support of people around young learners and the broader social environment is critical in helping interests develop. Alongside extracurricular education, self-directed learning is becoming increasingly common, with many young people acquiring knowledge online, especially through YouTube. However, young people would benefit from more structured support for self-learning, where schools, mentors, and industry professionals could play a larger role,” added Oras.

The researchers concluded that because parents’ beliefs and stereotypes significantly influence young people’s attitudes toward STEM+A subjects, awareness-building efforts should target adults as well as young people.

The study “The Future Maker’s Journey: Do Tomorrow’s Skills Come from School, Extracurricular Activities, or YouTube?” was commissioned by Startup Estonia and carried out by the Centre for Applied Anthropology and the Estonian Research Centre.

The research aimed to understand what motivates young people to engage more deeply with STEM+A fields and entrepreneurship-related activities, and to explore the roles played by formal education, extracurricular learning, and self-directed study.

The study included interviews with students aged 13–19, teachers, parents, and subject-matter experts. Additionally, an online survey was completed by 600 students aged 13–19 from across Estonia.

Download the Reports

• 0000/0037/5345/files/Tuleviku%20tegijate%20teekond%20l%C3%B5ppraport_26042023.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Full Report (89 pages)
• https://media.voog.com/0000/0037/5345/files/Tuleviku%20tegijate%20teekond%20l%C3%BChiraport_26042023.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Summary Report (21 pages)
• ://media.voog.com/0000/0037/5345/files/Future%20Makers%20Journey_inglise%20k.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Survey Report Summary (English)

The study was commissioned by Startup Estonia and funded through the Startup Estonia programme (EU50651) with support from the European Regional Development Fund. The programme is implemented by the joint organization of EAS and KredEx.

Contact: Inga Kõue, [email protected]