Self-directed experiential learning to meet ever-changing entrepreneurship demands

Abstract

PurposePolicy makers have called for more entrepreneurship throughout societies as a response to the digital transformation. This paper argues that the rapidly changing conditions of the digital age indeed mark a change in the bases of entrepreneurship. Specifically, as adaptivity becomes key, a learning capacity and general ability to adapt becomes a critical factor in entrepreneurial activity. The paper identifies self-directed learning (SDL) as a fundamental competence in this regard and examines its role for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial competence.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a theoretical framework for the role of SDL in entrepreneurship through a process of systematic review of previous studies that have linked SDL to entrepreneurship.FindingsThe formulated theoretical framework shows how SDL competence combines with experiential learning in supporting the kind of adaptivity needed for entrepreneurial competence, especially under more rapidly changing conditions. SDL competence also gains wider importance through enabling individuals to meet the demands of organizational changes in our highly volatile world.Practical implicationsSDL competence prepares individuals for entrepreneurship and resilience in face of rapid changes as well as for being more entrepreneurial in the conduct of their lives more generally. Fostering SDL competence can thus be regarded as an important objective of entrepreneurship education.Originality/valueThe described self-directed experiential learning cycle offers a novel perspective that clarifies how both self-directed and experiential learning competences are integral for understanding the basis of adaptiveness in entrepreneurial activity.

Cut me some slack! An exploration of slack resources and technology-mediated human capital investments in entrepreneurship

“…, 2016) as well. This proposed relationship is supported in previous review studies by Tseng (2013) and Morris and Konig (2020), which found that self-directed learning can enhance entrepreneurial knowledge and experiences within the entrepreneurial development process.…”

The soft skills bases in digital academic entrepreneurship in relation to digital transformation

“…So HEIs have understood the need to create a type of education where individuals' self-directed learning must be a fundamental competence (Morris & K€ onig, 2020). Entrepreneurship education should allow the development of new behaviors, habits and beliefs (Daniel, 2016) in teaching that allows knowledge sharing.…”

“…This knowledge sharing causes, in the digital entrepreneur, the need to develop specific knowledge and competencies to face new business challenges, meaning they need to use selflearning strategies (Young, 2007). It is a fundamental competence for entrepreneurship (Morris and K€ onig, 2020). In this case, digital platforms can help to interlink academia and entrepreneurs in self-learning, updating their theoretical knowledge (Linzalone et al, 2020).…”

How creativity is oppressed through traditional education

“…In such conditions, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Enriquez and Gargiulo, 2022), from an economic perspective, creativity has been positioned as a critical workplace competence (European Commission, 2015; Shumylo et al , 2022; OECD, 2022). I should highlight the point here that generating creative solutions is important in many professional fields, such as medicine, teaching, informatics, business, engineering and entrepreneurship (Morris and König, 2021; Davis, 2012; Ma et al , 2018; OECD, 2022).…”