Does entrepreneurship education (E-ed) really work to create business enterprise?We conducted a comprehensive review and methodological critique of the empirical research on the outcomes of university-based E-ed. We identified every empirical study conducted over the past decade, and found 12 that minimally met our methodologically "robust"
IntroductionThe importance of entrepreneurship to the macro economy has only recently been recognized with research showing small businesses as key drivers of economic growth, generating more new jobs than larger firms. About 4 million new businesses are created each year, generating the majority of annual net new jobs (Haltiwanger, Jarmin, and Miranda 2009;Tether 2000;Wennekers and Thurik 1999). Increasingly, economic developers and policymakers are asking, "how can we get more entrepreneurs and create more new jobs?" The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor cites three major barriers to entrepreneurship: social and cultural barriers, lack of capital, and lack of education. In the United States, policymakers are focusing on education as a critical first step in setting the stage for increased levels of entrepreneurship over the long run, especially in areas hard-hit by manufacturing and industrial job losses.So what do we really know about universitybased entrepreneurship education (E-ed)? How common and widespread is this as an economic development strategy? Is there a theoretical foundation for developing effective E-ed initiatives? What education methods and modalities are most effective in promoting the kinds of entrepreneurship that best creates the new wealth that produces economic growth? Finally, and most importantly, does E-ed really work? Elaine C. Rideout is Adjunct Professor, Entrepreneurship Initiative, North Carolina State University. Denis O. Gray is Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor, Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University.Address correspondence to: Elaine C Rideout, EI, NCSU, 1017 Main Campus Dr., Ste. 2300, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. E-mail: elaine_rideout@ncsu.edu Journal of Small Business Management 2013 51(3), pp. 329-351 doi: 10.1111 RIDEOUT AND GRAY 329This paper will attempt to shed some light on these questions by focusing attention on university-based E-ed initiatives. We define as university-based E-ed courses and cocurricular/ extracurricular activities that teach entrepreneurial management, strategy, innovation, and venture development in a university setting. We describe the context for university-based E-ed in the United States and briefly summarize the theoretical basis for and assumptions about E-ed pedagogy. We then summarize and critique the empirical research on university-based E-ed. We conclude with recommendations on how to improve research and ultimately intervention in this area.
