Alicia Robb

Entrepreneurship Education and Training Programs Around the World: Dimensions for Success (Directions in Development) Alicia Robb

Entrepreneurship has attracted global interest for its potential to catalyze economic and social development. Research suggesting that certain entrepreneurial mindsets and skills can be learned has given rise to the field of entrepreneurship education and training (EET). Despite the growth of EET, global knowledge about these programs and their impact remains thin.

Entrepreneurship Education and Training Programs around the World: Dimensions for Success surveys the available literature and program evaluations to propose a conceptual framework for understanding the current landscape of EET programs. The study finds that EET today consists of a heterogeneous mix of programs that can be broken into two groups: entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship training. These programs target a range of participants, from secondary and post-secondary education students to potential and practicing entrepreneurs. The study notes that the dimensions of EET programs vary according to the particular target group. Programs targeting secondary education students focus on the development of foundational skills linked to entrepreneurship, while post-secondary education programs emphasize skills related to strategic business planning, and programs serving practicing entrepreneurs focus on strengthening entrepreneurs' knowledge. The study finds that a focus on skills and business practices, though unlikely to transform an enterprise in the near term, may accrue benefits to entrepreneurs over time.

The study offers implications for policy and program implementation, emphasizing clarity in identifying target groups and desired outcomes for program choices, and a sound understanding of how publicly supported programs offer a broader public good and compare to policy alternatives. Of interest to policy makers, program managers, and practitioners, Entrepreneurship Education and Training Programs around the World: Dimensions for Success makes an important contribution to the ongoing global experiment of EET.