Abstract:

Background: Entrepreneurship education is more vital now than ever before, equipping individuals with the skills and mindset to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic business landscape. Higher education institutions need to consider the current state of the labour market and restructure their entrepreneurial curricula.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the appetite for entrepreneurship education within institutions of higher education and to ascertain students’ opinions on the perceived characteristics of the entrepreneurship education curriculum.

Setting: The encouragement of entrepreneurship is a national priority. To cultivate this, higher education institutions need to enable their role and ensure that their delivery is aligned with the current expectations of the labour market.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative methodology, executing an online questionnaire to 322 university students.

Results: The findings showed a strong enthusiasm among South African university students for initiating their own businesses, driven by personal achievement and development. Additionally, the study emphasised that problem-solving, creativity, and leadership are essential skills for entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: There was significant interest in entrepreneurship education among students at the chosen South African university. By incorporating entrepreneurship education into the higher education curriculum, universities are poised to assume a critical role in fostering the development of future entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Contribution: The findings suggest that South African students are eager to drive economic growth through entrepreneurship, highlighting the need to enhance entrepreneurial education in higher education to effectively nurture future business leaders.

Please choose your submission type: Full Paper

Primary Track: Entrepreneurship

Keywords: Entrepreneurship Theories;International Entrepreneurship;Entrepreneurship in emerging markets

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Dr. Angela Pike-Bowles