Developing Entrepreneurial Mindset in University Undergraduates

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the research is to discuss how to design entrepreneurial mindsets in undergraduate students within the academic culture of a classical university.. Methods.  In order to become aware of the international perspective regarding entrepreneurship education, global innovation index, entrepreneurship education delivery models, global forums and entrepreneurship community platforms as well as the entrepreneurship barometer were taken into consideration. Results. A survey regarding the appropriateness of entrepreneurship education at IFNUL has been conducted. In total, 125 bachelor’s (55.2%) and master’s degree (44,8%) students from different Departments of IFNUL completed the questionnaire based on the Entrepreneurship Barometer. Thus, theverage rating (1 (low) – 5 (high)) of the likelihood that students will ever run their own business is 3.67. Based on the obtained results the course in Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been elaborated as a part of the curriculum for students of the Department of Pedagogical Education at IFNUL. Conclusions.  Findings of this paper suggest that, in general, universities should promote entrepreneurship as a career option and provide entrepreneurship experiences to undergraduate and Master’s degree students. The change in the academic culture is the common challenge, which includes the introduction of entrepreneurial thinking and acting as alternatives to traditional teaching approaches and opening up the universities to the surrounding society and industrial ecosystem. The use of ICT and in particular eLearning in delivering entrepreneurial education might be an additional option for expanding the outreach of the course. Key words: entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial learning, entrepreneurship program, entrepreneurship and innovation, undergraduate students.