Reconceptualizing the role of the future entrepreneurship educator: an exploration of the content challenge

Abstract

This paper critically explores a key challenge facing future entrepreneurship educators, that of content, i.e., deciding what to teach. Understanding the factors that influence the content decision could enhance the quality and effectiveness of future entrepreneurship education programmes. The paper argues that as a result of entrepreneurship education’s increased popularity, its expanding scholarship base, its growth in non-business disciplines, and increased attention from policy makers and employers, entrepreneurship educators are in danger of trying to do too much to please too many. The paper asks: What are the categories of influence that impact on the content decision? And, how should future entrepreneurship educators deal with the content challenge? The paper contributes to entrepreneurship education theory and practice by enhancing understanding of the myriad elements entrepreneurship education comprises, highlighting the dangers of trying to do too much, and theorizing towards a reconceptualization of the role of the future entrepreneurship educator as a ‘unique aggregator of content.’.