Exploring the next generation of entrepreneurs

Assessing the role of experiential education, human capital, and entrepreneurial mindset on the development of students' entrepreneurial intentions. Education plays a key role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Netherlands, with significant resources dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial skills and spirit. However, the effectiveness of current approaches to entrepreneurial education remains uncertain. This research examines the use of live cases at a Dutch university to assess how well the educational environment fosters students' entrepreneurial mindsets and intentions. It also explores the impact of work experience, gender, and course length on entrepreneurship.

The main research question

How does experiential education in the form of live cases and work experience affect the development of a student's entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions?

What is the motivation for the research

This research addresses gaps in entrepreneurship education (EE), questioning the effectiveness of current teaching methods. It explores how work experience, live cases, and factors like authenticity, collaboration, and reflection shape students' entrepreneurial mindset and intentions. The study calls for a tailored approach to EE, aiming to enhance pedagogical strategies and policies to better support emerging entrepreneurs in today's complex business landscape.

Research objectives and contributions

This thesis offers new insights into entrepreneurial education by examining how experiential learning, particularly through live cases, can be improved. It focuses on key elements—authenticity, reflection, and collaboration—and their impact on developing students' entrepreneurial mindset and intentions. The study also explores how work experience, whether related or unrelated to a student's field of study, influences their perception of these educational elements.

Practically, the research helps educators design better entrepreneurial programmes by considering individual factors like age, gender, course type, and year of study to improve learning outcomes.

What problem does this research solves

This study explores how to design educational environments that best develop students' entrepreneurial mindset and intentions. It connects classroom learning with real-world entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of students' entrepreneurial skills for both jobs and new ventures. The research also examines how work experience, along with factors like gender, age, course type, and academic year, affects the link between education and entrepreneurial mindset.

Who are in the research team

Dr Peter Lugosi, Professor of Culture and Organisation at Oxford Brookes Business School (email: plugosi@brookes.ac.uk)
Dr Robert van der Veen, Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes Business School (email robert.vanderveen@brookes.ac.uk)
Dr Erwin Losekoot, Professor of Hospitality Studies, Chair of the Academy of International Hospitality Research (email: e.losekoot@ecu.edu.au)
John Hornby, Research Lecturer at Hotel Management School Leeuwarden, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (email: john.hornby@nhlstenden.com)

What is the project approach

The research employs a quantitative method, utilising dynamic survey data collection both online and in person. The data is gathered in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurship at NHL Stenden. The analysis is conducted using a structural equation model to explore the relationships and impacts of the factors studied.