Improving entrepreneurship education in primary schools: a pioneer project

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.

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