Bridging the gap: developing entrepreneurial competences in engineering studies

Abstract

This study aims to address the challenge of integrating entrepreneurial competences development into the traditional engineering curriculum to enhance job creation prospects. A course design intersecting project management and entrepreneurship, employing challenge-based learning, is proposed. Leveraging experiential learning principles, the design aims to foster entrepreneurial competences among engineering students. A pilot test of the course in a Spanish university Project Management program reveals, through a series of assessment tools and statistical analyses, significant enhancement in students' entrepreneurial competences post-course, with minimal gender variations except for heightened autonomy perception among women. This research pioneers the integration of engineering and entrepreneurship, demonstrating how such pedagogical approaches can enrich students' professional and personal development while preserving engineering program knowledge.

Peer Reviewed

Postprint (published version)