The purpose of the article is to find out the current state of entrepreneurial studies, as well as to consider the basic theoretical directions in the study of entrepreneurship.

Research methods. In the process of research such philosophical and general scientific methods, principles and techniques as abstraction, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, dialectical method and systematic approach were used. Based on the subject characteristics of the study, the main method in the article is a descriptive method, which describes the content concepts of entrepreneurship in the modern world and the main features of international projects and awards in the field of entrepreneurship. Using the historical-comparative method, the variability of civilizational conditions that led to the evolution of entrepreneurial activity and the socio-historical context for the emergence of socio-economic objects of the study of entrepreneurship theory were elucidated. The use of methods of analytical generalizations and grouping (as well as statistical comparison) contributed to the modern conceptual lines systematization of study of entrepreneurship.

Research results. The leading international awards, journals and projects in the field of entrepreneurship have been identified. Awarding the relevant prizes is a criterion for the qualified determination of the relevance of the results of scientific creativity of a laureate. Such scientists ideas and developments form a conceptual basis in the study of entrepreneurship. The author defines the concept of the theory of entrepreneurship and the content of the category «concept of entrepreneurship». The most relevant entrepreneurial activity concepts are considered. Modern trends in the study of entrepreneurship are generalized.

Scientific novelty. The novelty of the work, first of all, is the systematization of foreign scientists ideas, views, concepts, that are the leading experts in the field of entrepreneurship theory. Also, the novelty may be the disclosure of the content of methodological tools and theoretical propositions that set trends in contemporary business discourse and relevant economic research.

Practical significance of the provisions and conclusions of the conducted research lies in the possibility of the acquired knowledge practical application and in its use from the standpoint of modern tendency of the entrepreneurship development. The results of the article can serve as an informational basis for the innovative projects development that involve both entrepreneurs and scientists (especially young people) in the entrepreneurial process, as well as the basis of knowledge and skills in the field of entrepreneurship that they develop.