Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Integrating Theory and Practice in Curricula across University Departments

Abstract

In today’s dynamic world, it can be strenuous to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for the development of entrepreneurial mindset. Thriving as entrepreneurs is the recent trend that Algeria is incorporating in higher education to uplift the entrepreneurial ecosystem and prepare students to be engaged in the job market and business landscape. The study aims at exploring the integration of theory and practice of entrepreneurship in the higher education curricula for the cultivation of university students’ mindset. It also aims at suggesting some strategies for the inclusion of entrepreneurship across university departments and listing some ways to involve stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To conduct the study, surveys were used to explore the stakeholders’ attitudes and identify how entrepreneurship can better be embraced. In addition, using questionnaires and interviews contributed to suggesting some ways of improvement to reinforce the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Results divulged that experiential learning should be promoted as a first step for the integration of entrepreneurship. A robust theoretical framework should be elaborated along with some practical opportunities in the form of entrepreneurial projects, internships and mentorship programs. The study advocates a holistic approach that helps preparing students for future job market and promotes further evolution of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and adaptation with the changing and dynamic business landscapes.