A case study on technology entrepreneurship education at a Taiwanese research university

Abstract

Technology-based entrepreneurship education has recently been promoted in Taiwan. The promotion is based on the notion of how technology can enhance economic growth and innovation. The impact of educational programs on entrepreneurial intentions and learning, however, is an issue of discussion. This paper presents a case study of a technology-based entrepreneurship course at a Taiwanese research university. The study aims to investigate how the course aligns with the students’ learning experiences. To this end, a qualitative research approach is utilized whereby interviews, focus group discussions, and class material are the main data sources. The findings suggest the difficulty in setting appropriate goals with technology-based entrepreneurship courses. Expectedly, it is difficult to achieve quick technology commercialization results due to the students’ inexperience, short course lengths, and the (often) technological immatureness. Goals, such as interdisciplinary and reflective learning, understanding the entrepreneurial processes, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, should therefore be emphasized more. However, as the study is based on the findings of a single educational course, it is limited in its generalizability. Nonetheless, it offers an example of the merits and challenges with entrepreneurship education in Taiwan. As such, it provides suggestions for educational and policy action which would go beyond the researched course.