Improve University Entrepreneurship Education
Summary
This intervention proposes a national programme, and related policies, to improve university entrepreneurship education.
Rationale
Universities can play many important roles in stimulating entrepreneurship. However, many entrepreneurs complain that their university education did not provide them with appropriate knowledge or skills. A particular concern is that teachers have limited contact with the real economy. Actual exposure to successful entrepreneurs would strengthen their capacity to nurture budding entrepreneurial talent.
This intervention proposes developing and implementing initiatives to persuade universities to provide more relevant enterprise education, and undertake other activities that encourage entrepreneurship. This will support the longer-term development of appropriate human capital.
Based on analysis of student spinouts from various universities (which come from multiple departments), it is proposed that entrepreneurship is not ‘pigeonholed’ within Business Studies, but is seen as a cross-sectoral activity which may be of interest (and should be accessible) to students studying every subject.