Affirming entrepreneurial education: learning, employability and personal development

Abstract

Purpose This article aims to discuss the changing role of entrepreneurial education for promoting personal development, learning and employability skills. Design/methodology/approach The authors review key literature and policy from the EU, in conjunction with recent UK initiatives and organisations that are urging greater action to develop the skills and entrepreneurial mind‐set necessary for the graduates of tomorrow. Findings There is a sense of urgency and change in mainstream higher education (HE) to promote and embed greater entrepreneurial and workplace skills among graduates. Students are expected to demonstrate greater employability skills and signs of the entrepreneurial mind‐set that will help organisations innovate and succeed. Originality/value The article clearly makes the link between the need for personal development, employability skills and attributes of an entrepreneurial mind‐set among graduates for the post 2011 workplace.