Embedding new entrepreneurship programmes in UK higher education institutions: Challenges and considerations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the understanding of the challenges and considerations of how new and innovative entrepreneurship education programmes may be inculcated into UK higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an action research approach to provide insights into entrepreneurship education andragogy in the first instance and in the second instance evaluate the success of such a programme then discuss the challenges of embedding it within universities.

Findings

The paper provides substantial evidence for the effectiveness of innovative programmes and concludes that it would be difficult to embed such a programme within HEIs in the UK due to: resource limitations; lack of training in synergistic methods; keeping the freshness alive; finding suitable entrepreneurs to take part in the programme; finding the right space in academic timetable and curriculum.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper the evidence for the success of the programme comes from one cohort of students who were followed for a 12‐month period and the assessment of suitability for embedding in universities is based on this one experience.

Practical implications

The paper shows issues about the structural problems of embedding entrepreneurship programmes that employ new pedagogic methodology seem significant. The question of whether or not universities should make the effort to try to embed new learning and teaching methods is broached and the conclusion is that it is unlikely that any such programmes could be adopted in any substantial way.

Originality/value

The paper has developed a tripartite approach to delivering entrepreneurship education, which involves new synergistic learning techniques. The paper broadens the discussion about the challenges of bring such programmes into UK HEIs.

Citation

Smith, A.J., Collins, L.A. and Hannon, P.D. (2006), "Embedding new entrepreneurship programmes in UK higher education institutions: Challenges and considerations", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 8/9, pp. 555-567. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400910610710001