The success of STEM graduates in entrepreneurship training: a European case study. (6th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mihai-Yiannaki, Simona; Varnava-Marouchou, Despina; Konis, Elmos; Hadjichristodoulou, Vassilia
• Is Part Of: Global business & economics review. Volume 22:Number 1/2(2020)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2020-02-06
• Subjects: entrepreneurship -- start-ups -- education -- training -- European project -- knowledge alliance -- knowledge transfer -- STEM education; Economics -- Periodicals; International economic relations -- Periodicals; 330.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1097-4954

Abstract

Following the results of a two years ERASMUS+, KA2 project, called 'SCIENT: a European university-business alliance aiming to foster young scientists' entrepreneurial spirit', we aim at shedding light on the success story of entrepreneurship training of STEM graduates. Our study research educational methodologies were applied in the project, which ran for 24 months until end of 2017 in seven European Union countries: Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Lithuania, the UK, Spain and Italy. The project aim was to develop strong entrepreneurial skills for PhD STEM graduates in the quest for alternative professional careers apart from the academic one. The research shows varying feedback responses from three activities: training, internship and mentoring from participants, trainers, and guest speakers. The methodological tools employed are a set of online surveys on 98 participants and 34 trainers from the participating countries. Findings show different countries, presenters, participants, facilities and scheduling provided variable impressions regarding the programme and its specific training modules. There were, however, some wide-ranging agreements across countries and throughout all the programmes. The overall findings indicate a high importance for organised such training programs at STEM graduates level.