Assessing Master's Student Attitudes and Sensitivity Towards Sustainable Investment: a Survey-based Study

Abstract

As times move on with unprecedented climate change and much related environmental issues, the world's financial domain is slowly but surely shifting towards sustainability. The following research addresses knowledge and preferences towards sustainable finance among master's students with an economic background. The research concentrates on assessing students' understanding of sustainable finance concepts, evaluating their willingness to invest in sustainable investments over traditional ones, and analyzing the influence of personal values versus financial returns on their investment decisions. Data was collected by surveying master's students in different economic, business, and management programs. A majority of master’s students knew well what sustainable finance is, including familiarity with ESG, EU taxonomy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In general, they consider investing in sustainable finance and are willing to pay higher fees for sustainability funds over non-sustainable ones. Personal values, rather than the expected financial returns, were the driving force behind investment preferences for the students. This research holds meaning in increasing sustainable finance literacy among the younger generation, who will feature in the shaping of economic landscapes across the globe. The evaluation of the involvement and perceptions of master's students in sustainable investments contributes to a large, growing body of literature that aims at integrating sustainability into education and financial decision-making processes, with the ultimate goal of giving the next generation the wherewithal to drive transition to the sustainable global economy.