Sustainability: A paradigmatic shift in entrepreneurship education

Abstract

This article proposes that sustainability represents a paradigmatic shift from traditional perspectives in entrepreneurship education. This “call to action” argues that it is imperative for entrepreneurship scholars and practitioners to add sustainability to academic curricula and consulting support activities. The evolutionary development of entrepreneurship from the traditional profit-oriented perspective to sustainable entrepreneurship is described. A case study of an academic institution, which has successfully incorporated sustainability principles into its curriculum, is provided.This article is among the first that details the importance of a paradigmatic shift because “business as usual” is no longer effective in the twenty-first century.

Systematic review on sustainable entrepreneurship education (SEE): a framework and analysis

“…Abdulwahed (2017) outlines the organizational structure with its various programs and activities for implementing its stated vision, mission and strategic objectives. Some studies talk about entrepreneurial competences teaching process framework and sustainable entrepreneurship capability framework (Amatucci et al, 2013;Hermann and Bossle, 2020). Aligning strategy with sustainable development goals with a process scoping diagram to capture and conceptualise the educational model needed to guide the higher education institutes through the process of change in its daily operations (Fleaca et al, 2018;Lewrick et al, 2011).…”

“…Recommendations to revise the university programmes, education about sustainability and integrate within existing entrepreneurship curricula are provided in some studies (e.g. Martinez-Campillo et al, 2019;Amatucci et al, 2013). As per Lewrick et al (2011) and Obrecht (2016) entrepreneurship and innovation education has derived from established university curriculum and the context is set for concepts and tools used in the corporate world.…”

“…As per Bigdeli et al (2015) infrastructure support fosters the entrepreneurial businesses actually grow, evolution of university spinouts business models. Entrepreneurship scholars and practitioners can develop management capabilities and consulting support activities (Amatucci et al, 2013;Lewrick et al, 2011).…”

“…4.1.2.1 Educators/lecturers. Entrepreneurial education can positively impact upon sustainability educators behaviours and practices (Amatucci et al, 2013;Lewrick et al, 2011) and learning experiences of both students and lecturers is imperative for sustainable entrepreneurship education (Bonnet et al, 2006). Wyness et al…”

“…While entrepreneurship initially predominantly was valued for its contribution to the economic growth of a country, its potential for the solution of societal and environmental issues has been acknowledged as well. Over the last decade, the notion of sustainable entrepreneurship has gained more and more interest with a new paradigm shift in entrepreneurship education from traditional perspectives towards sustainability inclusions (Amatucci et al, 2013). Motivated young minds indulge in ventures such as eco-innovation, and sustainable start-up or project.…”