HOW TO ENHANCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN UNIVERSITIES. BUCHAREST UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMIC STUDIES CASE STUDY

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has been an area of interest among academics across the world. It is admitted as a booster for market innovation, product and technological growth. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered an important factor for health of the economy. It is seen as the force that revitalizes the economy and leads to economic progress, job creation for the community. Higher education institutions play a vital role in providing society with skilled human resources, owning specific skills accordingly to economy needs. The aim of this study is to investigate ways in which the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (BUES) could amplify the entrepreneurial potential of their students. Results showed that cooperation of universities with entrepreneur NGO’s and other local institutions and organizations, apprenticeship courses, innovative educational content and use of creativity- centred methods of teaching were the most effective improving entrepreneurial skills of students. Detecting the challenges and competencies of entrepreneurial students could help professor to consider these challenges in developing the student’s capabilities that allow them to successfully conduct entrepreneurial activities. Thus, we propose three major implications for actors involved in enhancing entrepreneurial engagement at higher education institutions. First, differences between universities organizational structures (i.e. faculties and departments) regarding organizational norms and cultures should be taking account when encouraging entrepreneurial engagement. Second, all levels of the university hierarchy should be considered when developing the support system for academic entrepreneurship. Third, despite their subordinate position, today’s students will soon have influential positions in the university. Hence, any attempt to create a more entrepreneurial university should pay particular attention to this group of academics. Whilst senior academics may be difficult to influence, our study shows that students seem to be receptive to communication about the commercialization of research results. Our findings indicate that initiatives and research about the creation of entrepreneurial universities should put students in a central position.

Keywords

• University education, entrepreneurial skills, students, entrepreneurship