A Conceptual Framework for Testing the Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Education Programs towards Entrepreneurial Intention

http://www.kmu.unisg.ch/rencontres/RENC2006/band2006.html

**Abstract**
Research has shown that there is a significant relationship between entrepreneurial training and the propensity of engaging as an entrepreneur. Knowing that Entrepreneurship Training Programs (ETPs) can change entrepreneurial intention is intriguing if one considers the economic relevance of entrepreneurial activity mentioned by various authors. But how do we need to design ETPs in order to positively influence participants' attitudes and beliefs towards entrepreneurship to eventually increase the likelihood that they engage as entrepreneurs? To address this question, a first step is the development of a framework which allows us to describe ETPs in such a way that we can trace back changes in attitudes, beliefs and intention triggered through ETPs to the relevant characteristics (of those ETPs).

Drawing on insights from education and behavioural sciences, combined with empirical findings about experiences from entrepreneurship educators and former students, this paper presents a framework to assess the impact of entrepreneurship education programs on the participant's intention. The framework presented is an advancement compared to existing models, which successfully structure prevailing objectives or structures in currently taught ETPs, but do not consequently strive to capture characteristics enabling the change of attitudes and beliefs - something necessary to encourage future entrepreneurs.