Developing the Entrepreneurial University through Positive Psychology and Social Enterprise

Abstract

This article provides an empirically-based insight into the operation and impact of socially-oriented entrepreneurship as an educational tool at the Russian higher education institution, ITMO University (St Petersburg). The experience suggests that consciously placing stress on the social and ethical dimension of entrepreneurship education provides a strong motivational factor which develops many students’ interests towards contributing positively to society. The effective engagement of students in community projects creates a synergy between the project’s practical objectives, students’ awareness of self, and helps to refine the students’ own life goals and values -invaluable for setting a career strategy.

Keywords

• higher education
• motivation
• curriculum
• entrepreneurship education
• project management
• socially-oriented entrepreneurship
• the itmo university
• students’ life plans