Reimagining Entrepreneurial Education

This research presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the entrepreneurial ecosystems at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and Mohammed IV Polytechnique in Morocco, exploring their influence on Entrepreneurial Education and Training (EET). Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study intertwines quantitative data analysis with rich qualitative insights, thereby offering a nuanced understanding of how these ecosystems contribute to shaping the landscape of entrepreneurial education. At the core of this research is an inductive methodology, which allows for a flexible and responsive exploration of the subject matter. This approach is particularly apt for investigating the complex and dynamic nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems, as it enables the research to be guided by the data and the unique characteristics of each ecosystem. By adopting this stance, the study seeks to uncover underlying patterns and relationships that may not be immediately apparent, thereby contributing to a deeper and more contextualized understanding of EET within these ecosystems. Quantitative analysis forms a crucial part of this research, primarily utilizing data from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) 2021 Report on Morocco. This data provides valuable insights into the attitudes, experiences, and entrepreneurial intentions of students, offering a statistical backdrop against which the qualitative findings can be contextualized. The quantitative analysis seeks to identify trends and correlations that can inform a broader understanding of the role of educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities. Complementing this, the qualitative aspect of the study involves in-depth interviews and case studies, focusing on the lived experiences and perceptions of stakeholders within the UT Austin and Mohammed IV Polytechnique ecosystems. This is where hermeneutic interpretation comes into play, allowing for a deep exploration of the meanings and implications behind the data. Through this interpretive lens, the research aims to capture the subtleties and complexities of how these ecosystems operate, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they present for enhancing EET. The comparative analysis between UT Austin and Mohammed IV Polytechnique is pivotal to this study. While these institutions are situated in markedly different cultural and economic contexts, both represent vibrant and evolving entrepreneurial ecosystems. This comparison promises to yield valuable insights into the diverse ways in which EET can be approached, structured, and delivered. It also provides an opportunity to explore how different environmental and cultural factors influence the development and effectiveness of entrepreneurial education programs. To conclude, this research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on entrepreneurial education, offering empirical insights and theoretical reflections that can inform educators, policymakers, and practitioners. By elucidating the intricate interplay between entrepreneurial ecosystems and EET, the study seeks to highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and suggest pathways for future research in this vital field.