Co-creation of learning in experiential entrepreneurial university education

Abstract

Co-creation, which embodies society’s collective intelligence, creativity and citizenship can play a key role in solving global challenges. Entrepreneurial competencies like opportunity identification, creativity, vision, teamwork, uncertainty tolerance, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, and perseverance are also seen as a gateway to an advanced society. Both co-creation and entrepreneurial learning are social processes of experiential nature, widely discussed and researched. Thus, the challenges with applying them in higher education programs have transpired - leveraging on the combination of collaboration skills, team cohesion, autonomy, self-direction, and stakeholder engagement. While both co-creation and entrepreneurial learning have been explored in the context of higher education, they have not been seen as an integrated and creative practice which can mobilize learners, universities, and local communities to jointly create value.

Consequently, the research asks: how does co-creation occur in experiential entrepreneurial university education? It explores a degree program, where learners, staff, alumni, and local businesses co-create educational value, cultivated and accredited by the university. Drawing on social constructivism and critical pedagogies, the research sees co-creation as a learning approach that challenges some preconceptions about entrepreneurial learning and its affordances in university settings. The findings indicate learning outcomes in the form of increased self-awareness, adaptability, empowerment, and extended aspirations for the future.

The study makes an original contribution to the designing of a model of co-creation in experiential entrepreneurial university education - connecting pedagogical prerequisites, environmental factors, co-creation practices and learning outcomes. It also contributes to the understanding of value and its meaning in higher education, providing evidence that the application of co-creation principles in higher education achieves learning outcomes, going beyond the employability of graduates. Co-creation pedagogy results in skill formation, enabling learners to feel empowered to work, achieve their ambitions for the future and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. Thus, the research contributes to the existing literature, theory and practice of both entrepreneurial learning and co-creation.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Supervisor	Norin Arshed (Supervisor) & Stephen Knox (Supervisor)