TITLE:
Creating an Entrepreneurial University Just Like That? Developing Students’ Empowering Entrepreneurship Competence in a University’s Short-Term Innovation Challenge Course
AUTHORS:
Jaana Seikkula-Leino, Urve Venesaar, Minttu Ripatti
KEYWORDS:
Empowering Entrepreneurship Competence, Entrepreneurship Education, Entrepreneurial University, Higher Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.15 No.6,
June
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: This exploratory study delves into the transformative potential of a succinct, eight-week Innovation Challenge course in fostering entrepreneurship competence among university students. It paves the way in reimagining how brief educational interventions can yield significant learning outcomes in entrepreneurial settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study intertwines quantitative and qualitative data analyses. It leverages surveys and reflective narratives from participants of the Innovation Challenge course, offering a comprehensive understanding of their learning journey. The study unveils that, while quantitative shifts in entrepreneurship competence were not statistically significant, the qualitative insights reveal a profound impact. Key pedagogical elements—including collaborative activities, reflective practices, and mentorship—emerge as catalysts in nurturing entrepreneurial skills. With its focus on a single academic institution and a brief course duration, this study lays the groundwork for further research and offers new insights into the theoretical foundations. Future explorations could extend to longitudinal studies across diverse educational contexts, offering a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of such pedagogical approaches. The findings have substantial implications for the design and execution of entrepreneurship education in university environments. The study underscores the value of experiential learning, continuous self-evaluation, collaborative engagement, and mentoring in shaping entrepreneurial competencies. This research extends beyond academic realms, offering insights into how entrepreneurship education can serve as a lever for societal advancement and economic innovation. Marking a significant contribution to the field of entrepreneurship education, this study illuminates the efficacy of short-term educational interventions in empowering entrepreneurial competence. It also underscores the synergy of combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies in evaluating educational program effectiveness, setting a new precedent in pedagogical research.