University entrepreneurship education: a design thinking approach to learning

Abstract

Background: Entrepreneurship has traditionally been taught from a business administration perspective, where predicting the future is central and where the world is seen as linear with known inputs and outputs. The world of entrepreneurs is a quite different, usually highly uncertain environment, and therefore requires a different type of skill set. In this paper, we conceptualize entrepreneurial learning through a method-and design-based approach and illustrate how a course can be developed and designed. Findings: In this paper it is argued that by utilizing design thinking and a methods approach, learning from a "through" approach can be achieved. This learning is more focused on the entrepreneurial process, highlighting the role of skills and mindset. This learning approach enables student-centered learning and focus on skills more applicable to entrepreneurs. It is also argued that the entrepreneurship process is not linear; therefore, creativity is central and finding structure is an unstructured process. Design thinking emphasizes a practical approach where students step outside the classroom. This experimentation and interaction in the real world of users and customers with real feedback is important in combination with reflection exercises. Conclusions: This paper highlights how a methods approach and entrepreneurship education with a "through" perspective can be achieved by utilizing design thinking. This is elaborated conceptually and illustrated with an example. We argue that a methods approach for teaching entrepreneurship is beneficial, where design thinking can be one valuable tool and approach for teaching entrepreneurship.

Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship Education: Where Are We, and What Are the Possibilities?

“…The USASBE 2018 emerging entrepreneurship program award winner, Grove City College, offers coursework embracing design thinking. Multiple pedagogical papers continue to surface in exploring “how” to integrate design thinking into entrepreneurship education (e.g., Garbuio et al ; Linton and Klinton ). Nonetheless, there is a need to empirically assess both the continued integration of design thinking courses in entrepreneurship education as well as the extent to which the entire design thinking mindset is embraced.…”

Formation of Entrepreneurial Skills in Students in a Changing World

“…As the entrepreneurial process is not linear, creativity and finding structure in an unstructured process are central [21]. Entrepreneurship is a complex process that lacks linearity of business thinking, which requires students to therefore master uncertain environments [22].…”

An Assessment and Planning Methodology for University-Based: Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

“…Electives are found in family firms, social entrepreneurship, and specific technology areas of focus. More recently, ‘design thinking’ has also entered the entrepreneurship curriculum (Linton & Klinton, 2019; Von Kortzfleisch et al, 2013). At the graduate level, there are commonly masters programmes, an entrepreneurship track within the MBA, or shorter form entrepreneurship certificates.…”