Developing Green Entrepreneurship Skills in Indonesia; An Educational Perspective

Abstract

This paper explores the critical nexus between Green Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development, illuminating their combined potential as a powerful tool for mitigating environmental crises such as global warming and climate change. With a particular focus on burgeoning economies, especially Indonesia, it underscores the immense possibilities embedded within a proactive integration of sustainable practices into entrepreneurship. This not only paves the way towards climate neutrality but also cultivates competitive advantages in business enterprises. Despite the tremendous potential, the widespread adoption of Green Entrepreneurship has been persistently stifled by a profound lack of awareness, an alarming paucity of educational resources, and a dearth of specialised knowledge within the field. These factors collectively contribute to the unimpressive rate of implementation and relatively low acceptance of Green Entrepreneurship. To address this conundrum, this scholarly article undertakes a comprehensive gap analysis aimed at evaluating the future prospects of Green Entrepreneurship within Indonesia. It does so through a detailed examination of the development of Green Entrepreneurship skills from the perspective of educators. The study forms part of a broader initiative - the ASEAN Network for Green Entrepreneurship and Leadership (ANGEL) - a European-funded project devoted to equipping university graduates and disadvantaged societal groups with vital entrepreneurial skills geared towards sustainability. The analytical framework of the research draws upon a conducted survey among university faculty members, supplemented with a focus group discussion with participants involving a diverse mix of faculty, students, and administrative staff. The findings underscore a strikingly limited focus on Green Entrepreneurship within the curriculum. However, they also reveal a robust commitment and a strong willingness to infuse existing syllabi with Green Entrepreneurial facets. To accomplish this, the research identifies the need to surmount significant challenges, primarily those related to resource availability. Furthermore, the gap analysis points towards the need for amplifying collaboration among a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include local businesses, government agencies, and the broader community. Such partnerships can significantly assist universities in crafting effective business school curricula that instil a sustainability mindset. Moving forward, the research proposes to extend its scope to embrace the viewpoints of community members. This would encompass a particular focus on traditionally marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged segments in both urban and rural communities.