Perspectives on Entrepreneurial Education: A US-Europe Comparison (original) (raw)

Abstract

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This paper discusses the divergent perspectives on entrepreneurial education between the United States and Europe. It highlights how the American approach is typically focused on specific business creation processes, whereas the European model emphasizes the development of an entrepreneurial personality. The paper examines challenges in quantifying the diffusion of entrepreneurial education in Europe, including a lack of centralization and support structures, contrasting the more consolidated expansion seen in the U.S. The findings underscore the importance of national educational systems and the role of political support in shaping entrepreneurial education initiatives.

Key takeaways

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  1. Entrepreneurial education varies significantly between the US and Europe, focusing on specific processes versus general personality development.
  2. The US has seen a growth from 263 to 1400 entrepreneurial education institutions from 1979 to 1998.
  3. Four categories of entrepreneurial education include awareness, start-up, continuing education, and entrepreneurial dynamism.
  4. Europe tends to emphasize small business management over new firm creation, lagging behind US postgraduate studies.
  5. Cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship influence educational approaches, with Europe focusing on awareness and the US on practical implementation.

Figures (1)

Entrepreneurial education was first developed in the United States in education are found in these last two categories, as we can see in Figure tween the American and the European perspective on entrepreneuria

Entrepreneurial education was first developed in the United States in education are found in these last two categories, as we can see in Figure tween the American and the European perspective on entrepreneuria

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References (24)

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  24. Guzmán, J. y Liñán, P. Perspectives on Entrepreneurial Education: A US- Europe Comparison

FAQs

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What explains the differences in entrepreneurial education between the US and Europe?add

The paper reveals that the US focuses on specific firm creation steps, whereas Europe emphasizes developing entrepreneurial personalities. These differences stem from varying cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship and institutional support levels.

How has the decentralization in the US affected entrepreneurial education?add

The lack of a unified national system in the US allows for significant variability in entrepreneurial education practices across institutions. This decentralization contributes to a trend towards specificity and pragmatism in program offerings.

What are the four categories of entrepreneurial education identified in the research?add

The research delineates four categories: entrepreneurial awareness education, start-up education, continuing education for existing entrepreneurs, and education for entrepreneurial dynamism. Each category serves distinct purposes for different target audiences in the entrepreneurial landscape.

When did significant growth in US entrepreneurial education initiatives begin?add

Significant growth in US entrepreneurial education began after the 1970s, notably with the Small Business Institute launched in 1972. By 1998, the number of institutions offering such programs escalated from 263 to 1400.

What role does the European Commission envision for entrepreneurial education?add

The European Commission defines entrepreneurial education as activities that develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and qualities suitable for students' age. It emphasizes a progression from broad entrepreneurial qualities in primary education to specific firm creation skills in higher education.