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Co-Creation in Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Business–University Educational Partnerships

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony Okuogume

    (Business Management and Marketing at Unit for Digital Solution, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, 95400 Tornio, Finland)

  • Nuria Toledano

    (Business Management and Marketing Department, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Campus “El Carmen”, University of Huelva, Avda. de las Fuerzas Armadas, s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain)

Abstract

The world is facing numerous ecological challenges that require urgent attention. Interventions from policymakers and universities are becoming more frequent in order to facilitate the transition of society into a more sustainable world. This paper presents lessons learned from sustainable entrepreneurship education activities developed at the northernmost University of Applied Sciences in Europe that involved important business stakeholders in the local environment. The educational process aims to equip students with the skills necessary to develop new ideas and entrepreneurial projects that provide innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. It also promotes the sustainable transformation of local businesses and society through partnerships and collaborations. Two main questions guided the presentation of the case: How can students, professors, business managers/workers, and government officials collaborate to develop sustainable entrepreneurial ideas and what are the pros and cons of co-creating in the context of sustainable entrepreneurship education? The teaching–learning experience showed that addressing real, local business problems collaboratively and adopting the principles of the co-creation of knowledge can lead to sustainable solutions and experiential learning and contribute to transforming societies towards sustainability. The lessons learned can illuminate future adaptations and applications in other universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Okuogume & Nuria Toledano, 2024. "Co-Creation in Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education: Lessons from Business–University Educational Partnerships," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2272-:d:1353804
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marcus Wagner & Stefan Schaltegger & Erik G. Hansen & Klaus Fichter, 2021. "University-linked programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development: how and with what impact?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1141-1158, February.
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    3. Crick, Florence & Eskander, Shaikh M.S.U. & Fankhauser, Sam & Diop, Mamadou, 2018. "How do African SMEs respond to climate risks? Evidence from Kenya and Senegal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 157-168.
    4. Richa Kumari & Ki-Seok Kwon & Byeong-Hee Lee & Kiseok Choi, 2019. "Co-Creation for Social Innovation in the Ecosystem Context: The Role of Higher Educational Institutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-21, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Barbara Bradač Hojnik, 2024. "Integrating Playful Learning to Enhance Education for Sustainability: Case Study of a Business School in Slovenia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Violeta Firescu, 2025. "Increasing Collaboration Between Humans and Technology Within Organizations: The Need for Ergonomics and Soft Skills in Engineering Education 5.0," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-29, February.

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