Abstract:

Social entrepreneurship has emerged at the forefront of innovative and sustainable solutions to societal problems, challenging traditional economic and educational paradigms. It represents a dynamic field that intersects entrepreneurship with social impact yet lacks a universally accepted definition. The growing demand for skills and competencies in today's job market has catalysed the integration of social entrepreneurship into Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide. These initiatives are pivotal in reshaping educational curricula, promoting a paradigm shift towards viewing societal challenges as opportunities for innovation. This study focuses on the "Entrepreneurs on a Mission" initiative, a pilot project led by the University of Aveiro under the Erasmus + ENHANCER project, aimed at enriching the higher education curriculum through research experience in social entrepreneurship.

The primary objective of this work is evaluating the impact of the "Entrepreneurs on a Mission" initiative on the development of social entrepreneurship skills among higher education students. It seeks to understand how experiential learning through this program influences students' competencies and their perception of social entrepreneurship. The study assesses the effectiveness of integrating social entrepreneurship into higher education curricula and its potential implications for the future.

The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collected through pre-and post-experience surveys from participants (N=120). These surveys encompass a range of questions designed to measure the impact of the "Entrepreneurs on a Mission" experience on students' awareness and development of social entrepreneurship skills. The analysis focuses on changes in students' competencies, their ability to identify it and leverage opportunities for social impact, and the changes in their perceptions of social entrepreneurship as a field of study and practice.

“Entrepreneurs on a Mission" initiative underscores the transformative potential of embedding social entrepreneurship into higher education. By facilitating the development of critical skills and competencies, such programs are instrumental in shaping future leaders ready to tackle global challenges through sustainable and innovative approaches. This study emphasizes the indispensable role of experiential learning in education, advocating for a comprehensive approach that readies students for a life of impactful social entrepreneurship.

Keywords:

Social Entrepreneurship, Competence Development, Entrepreneurial Education, Higher Education, Innovation Strategies.