Building Blocks for the Development of University-Wide Entrepreneurship

Abstract

University-wide entrepreneurship is introduced as a logical consequence of the rapid development of entrepreneurship in post-secondary institutions across the globe. While sometimes approached simply as a redefinition of the boundaries for an entrepreneurship program on college campuses, in this article we conceptualize university-wide entrepreneurship as a transformational, multi-dimensional force that enables universities to be more innovative, risk-taking and proactive. The underlying nature of this conceptualization is explored together with reasons for the emergence of entrepreneurship across campuses. Ways in which entrepreneurship is manifested within a university are investigated, key stakeholders for the university-wide approach are identified, and obstacles to implementation of these initiatives are specified. Five dimensions of university-wide entrepreneurship are introduced: inter-disciplinary research, a curriculum and degree programs, co-curricular programming, community engagement, and university operations. An integrative model is proposed of key elements that contribute to a climate where successful university-wide efforts can be pursued. Included here are an academic champion, a consistent definition, a clear statement of purpose, a governance structure, supporting infrastructure, a curricular model, co-curricular programming, a resource model, incentives, proactive publicity, and targeted outcomes and metrics. Alternative approaches to program governance are reviewed, including those centered within and outside of a business school. Implications are drawn for the ongoing development of the university-wide concept.

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