Lund University: Embedding Entrepreneurship in a Regional Context

Abstract

Lund University (LU) is located close to a science park in a region with numerous incubators and start-ups in a rather densely populated area. The University uses its strategic location as a source of competitive advantage by strongly collaborating with local established companies, start-ups, student organisations, support services and incubators. The institution with the strongest link to entrepreneurship at LU is the Sten K. Johnson Centre for Entrepreneurship (SKJCE). SKJCE offers a variety of demand driven courses at five of eight faculties of LU, but also undergraduate and graduate programmes where students from different disciplinary backgrounds are admitted. Of particular importance is the Master’s Programme in Entrepreneurship (MPE) with two distinct tracks, New Venture Creation (NVC) and Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). Within this highly competitive MPE a focus is set on action-reflection teaching methods while close connection with companies and support systems in the region is aspired. LU also offers several extra-curricular activities in EE. Examples include awards and scholarships provided to students based on pitched business ideas and entrepreneurship-oriented initiatives such as Venture Lab—a student incubator that inspires and gives business advice—, Venture Cup—a business plan competition—and FENA—a student association for entrepreneurship.