Transforming a Highly Tactile Entrepreneurship Course “Ideas to Innovation” to an Entirely Online Delivery Model: Lessons for Theory and Practice

Abstract

Recent changes in education due to COVID-19 required a shift from classroom to online delivery. This chapter illustrates how a highly complex training program, Ideas to Innovation (i2i), responded to this challenge. i2i is based on experiential learning including a variety of activities carried out both in large and small groups with the intention to raise delegates’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy. In this case study, we illustrate the process by which the program was delivered online for the first time since its existence and how the online delivery of an entrepreneurial program contributed to participants raised level of entrepreneurial intent. We took a qualitative approach by conducting structured (written) and semi-structured interviews with participants. We triangulated the data with insights and reflections of the facilitators engaged in the online delivery. The findings indicate that even when i2i is delivered online, it raised participants’ level of entrepreneurial intent. We also found that digital interaction and collaboration among participants and facilitators on various platforms promoted the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. By highlighting this change in delivery and design, we contribute to the ongoing debate of digitally supported education for entrepreneurship and provide insights to redesign entrepreneurial training programs.

Build-Measure-Learn in Education: Lessons Learned from the Iterative Development of a digital Project-based, International Entrepreneurship Format

“…The course which is the basis of this case study started in the winter term of 2020 at Hochschule Munich University of Applied Sciences, when Verena Kaiser and Bettina Maisch held a joint online entrepreneurship course on the topic of Green Tech, Agriculture, and Nutrition for students of their respective faculties of business administration and mechatronics. The course went well given the fact that Vaiciukynaite et al (2023) highlighted that COVID-19 infused challenges to entrepreneurial education that are more significant than in other business domains because entrepreneurial education is based on experiential education.…”

“…This onsite week will be enriched with two preparatory online meetings plus sessions on intercultural management upfront, as well as the flipped classroom elements. Vaiciukynaite et al (2023) found that digital interaction and collaboration among participants and facilitators on various platforms promoted the development of an entrepreneurial mindset, therefore some online elements will be kept. Startup founders will be invited on each lecture day for short presentations of their companies and challenges.…”