17129: Empowering Changemakers: What Entrepreneurship Education Do They Need?

Entrepreneurship and its education, long considered vital for socioeconomic progress, now face criticism for contributing to ecological and social crises through an excessive focus on financial metrics. The research highlights the need for new models of entrepreneurship education that align with sustainability and impact-driven priorities, especially as a new generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs emerges. These entrepreneurs prioritize environmental sustainability, social equity, and community impact, but they face legitimacy challenges within ecosystems rooted in traditional business paradigms. This ongoing research program seeks to: 1. Understand interactional dynamics at the micro, meso, and macro levels that influence student entrepreneurs' success. 2. Co-design innovative strategies and educative and support mechanisms tailored to their needs. 3. Evaluate initial findings to inform broader research and educational programs nationally and internationally. The ongoing study employs a participatory research approach, combining entrepreneurial mentoring with research data collection. Researchers work closely with student entrepreneurs through PEPITE and Enactus programs, using multi-interview strategies and participant observation to capture insights. Projects are selected based on impact-driven motivations and interactions within defined entrepreneurial ecosystems. Preliminary findings reveal insights into motivations, stakeholder interactions, and ecosystem dynamics. Two key themes emerge: the need for entrepreneurs to understand stakeholders' KPIs and language, and the importance of translating project goals to resonate with these metrics. Future steps include expanding the research through Horizon Europe to refine entrepreneurship education and integrate policy perspectives.

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