Improving entrepreneurship education in primary schools: a pioneer project
International Journal of Educational Management
ISSN: 0951-354X
Article publication date: 21 August 2019
Issue publication date: 21 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
As one of the eight key competencies of life-long learning strategies identified by the European Union and the difficulties in enhancing the “sense of initiative and entrepreneurship”, the purpose of this paper is to propose a co-production approach to overcome several concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory approach is used to analyse a single case study based on the EntreComp progression model and on a pedagogical approach consistent with the philosophy of learning through creating value for others.
Findings
The study introduces best novel practices that help enhance entrepreneurial education in primary school by engaging multiple local stakeholders in co-producing education. The case mainly shows that a co-production approach is appropriate to overcome challenges and assists policymakers to identify specific actions and make investments in entrepreneurship education (EE) at the primary level.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretically, the study contributes to literature on entrepreneurial education and co-production studies. The main drawback of the study is its explorative analysis of a single case.
Practical implications
For practitioners, the research proposes stakeholder involvement as key to co-producing EE in primary schools, implying that policymakers should identify resources for projects and other similar initiatives.
Originality/value
The study elucidates the relevance of co-production approach to ensure early EE in school.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Enago (www.enago.com) for the English language review.
Citation
Floris, M. and Pillitu, D. (2019), "Improving entrepreneurship education in primary schools: a pioneer project", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 33 No. 6, pp. 1148-1169. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-09-2018-0283
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited