Importance and Methods of Teaching Corporate Entrepreneurship to University Students

Abstract

Research Question: The study examines how university corporate entrepreneurship courses could be made more attractive and beneficial. Motivation: The article highlights the importance of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and CE education, analysing research achievements and sharing a long-year own experience in teaching CE to students in “Entrepreneurship” speciality at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, Bulgaria. The authors consider that CE courses provide knowledge and develop key skills and competences, useful for students, businesses, and other higher education stakeholders. Therefore, such courses should be an integral part of entrepreneurship education. Their syllabi and teaching methods have to be continually updated to align with theoretical and practical advancements and to comply with the trends and changes in the environment, as well as in the specific needs and attitudes of students. Idea: The study aims to propose a set of teaching methods suitable for CE courses. Besides the traditional lectures, seminar classes, discussions, and case studies, it includes involvement of experienced guest lecturers, organisation of workshops and networking events, conducting business simulations and students’ teamwork on intrapreneurial projects. Data: retrieved from the authors’ involvement in designing, teaching, analysing and updating the CE course taught to bachelor’s students in “Entrepreneurship” speciality at UNWE, as well as from constant feedback from the learners. Tools: review and analysis of literature sources, authors’ observations and expert opinions based on teaching and research experience. Findings: Businesses are increasingly employing various CE mechanisms to foster their innovativeness, competitiveness, and adaptability to the ever-changing external environment. CE is important and should be studied more widely. Today’s students have specific needs that require education to be practically oriented and involving new technologies. Knowledge and skills in CE are essential for students’ successful careers, whether as entrepreneurs, managers, or experts. Contribution: shared experience, which could be used as a good practice, and a suggested set of methods for CE education.