Entrepreneurship Education Worldwide Needs Improvement
A new study released by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, a not-for-profit academic research consortium, finds that in almost every country worldwide, “entrepreneurship education and training is inadequate, especially in primary and secondary schools.” In surveys with more than 100,000 individuals, GEM found that 80% of entrepreneurship education and training is provided through formal channels such as primary and secondary level schooling, and through university degree programs. (PDF: download here.)
According to the study, sixty percent of individuals engaged in entrepreneurship training acquire it from informal sources, which GEM defines as non credit-bearing courses at a university, local business organizations, or government agencies, or self-study using books and internet courses. “Access to informal programs is a good thing too, because entrepreneurs can obtain the specific skill sets they need to achieve their immediate goals,” says Alicia Coduras, from IE Business School in Spain and lead author of the report.
Key Findings of the Report:
•Across 38 countries, where training in starting a business was measured, only 21% of the adult population had received training.
•Training appears to have the greatest effect on early-stage entrepreneurial activity in wealthier, innovation-driven countries with favorable institutional frameworks.
•The highest levels of training were found in Finland and Chile, countries with government initiatives aimed at stimulating and preparing individuals to start businesses.
•Men are more likely than women to seek training.
•Younger individuals are more likely to have received training in starting a business, reflecting a recent rise in entrepreneurship education in many countries’ formal educational systems.
In the U.S., we have many sources for both formal and informal training in entrepreneurship. As I mentioned recently, nearby colleges and universities are one place to look.
On SmallBusiness.com, you can find information about entrepreneurship educational and training resources in many ways:
SmallBusiness.com Local Hub: Click on your State Hub, then your City Hub and look for SCORE Chapters, Small Business Development Centers, Women Business Development Centers and University Entrepreneurship Programs.
Or, go straight to any of the following SmallBusiness.com Hubs :