Examining entrepreneurial motivations in an education context
Year: 2017
Editor: Anja Maier, Stanko Škec, Harrison Kim, Michael Kokkolaras, Josef Oehmen, Georges Fadel, Filippo Salustri, Mike Van der Loos
Author: Lynch, Matthew; Slåttsveen, Kristoffer; Lozano, Federico; Steinert, Martin; Andersson, Gunnar
Series: ICED
Institution: 1: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway; 2: University Collge of Řstfold, Norway
Section: Design Education
Page(s): 079-088
ISBN: 978-1-904670-97-1
ISSN: 2220-4342
Abstract
Entrepreneurial skills are receiving greater attention as engineering departments realise the value of having their graduates receive an education that goes beyond just technical skills. In Norway, one particular education method is to have engineering students start a business. Little is known about what motivates students who set out to start a business, and how feasible they perceive this task. This article sets out to explore students’ motivations around entrepreneurship. The paper finds that students are largely motivated by intrinsic factors such as the challenge of working on their own business, and learning to use their skills and competence. While extrinsic motivations such as money do not seem to play a large motivating role. The article reveals students’ have negative perceptions regarding their own skills and competence to pursue an entrepreneurial career. The article is based on empirical data gathered from a joint workshop held between two similar universities who educate their engineers in entrepreneurship.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Design education, Design practice, Education