Abstract
The paper examines the trend towards university-wide programs in entrepreneurship education. We present a conceptual framework for dividing university-wide programs into two categories: "magnet programs," which draw students into entrepreneurship courses offered in the business school, and "radiant programs," which feature entrepreneurship courses outside the business school, focused on the specific context of the nonbusiness students. Examining 38 ranked entrepreneurship programs, we found that about 79 percent now have university-wide programs, most of which follow a magnet model. In interviews with stakeholders at sample institutions, we found that magnet and radiant programs differ in terms of program definition, motivation for the university-wide focus, and costs and benefits. Our major findings are: (1) the trend toward university-wide entrepreneurship education is strong and gaining momentum; (2) our conceptual framework clarifies the different pathways for creating a university-wide approach; (3) while the radiant model is extremely appealing to students, parents, and alumni, the magnet model is easier to administer and represents the path of least resistance; and (4) while the magnet model is simpler to implement, it may lead to conflicts in the longer term because the benefits may not be shared equally across the university.
Recommended Citation
Streeter, Deborah, and John Jaquette. 2004. "University-wide Entrepreneurship Education: Alternative Models and Current Trends." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 20(2): Article 3. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol20/iss2/3
Publication Date
12-31-2004
