Abstract:

The research had the purpose of creating a HEEO (Higher Education Entrepreneurship Observatory) model in which a triangular systemic analysis was carried out between:
(a) identification of “labor market needs” by the top-down observation carried out with businessmen, institutions and companies. organizations,
(b) the botton-up observation of “professional management and guidance” among students / graduates and the primary data allowed to define / adjust the
(c) training content in order to reinforce Human Interactions Skills.

This research attempted to respond directly to the eighth SDG (Sustainable Development Objective), which aims to promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro and medium-sized companies, whether at regional, national or international level. Starting from an extensive body of literature researching various topics and perspectives related to sustainable development and, in particular, entrepreneurship, this study assumes the UNESCO proposal that identifies common elements between feasibility and social impact, but goes further by filling gaps concerning the entrepreneurial vision of teachers and businessmen and, of leadership in the 21st century, for the innovation of sustainable employability. The investigation was carried out over thirty-six months, with different pedagogical formats (e.g., lectures, mentoring, seminars and pitchs). Entrepreneurship students from a Higher Education Institution in the North of Portugal, with their two incubators and in partnership with two similar Brazilian institutions, formed project teams. Each team aimed to develop an innovative business idea that demonstrated economic, financial and sustainable viability, in order to compete successfully, according to the HEEO model. The team of researchers was, since the implementation of this methodology, made up of doctoral professors, responsible for ensuring the mentoring, consulting and training process. The study was guided by the following problem: what are the perceptions of students, teachers and businessmen about the Entrepreneurship Incubators and their role in learning and developing students' skills. The methodology used a qualitative approach, having been a longitudinal study.

The results were treated and analyzed using specialized software, webQDA® (web-based Qualitative Data Analysis). The data were collected in the respective incubators, through surveys with open questions, focus groups and semi-structured interviews (eg to teachers, students and businessmen), were triangulated between the respective sources and the categories validated by the Delphi method. Ethical care was always present throughout the investigation, both in the permission for data collection and in the treatment of the same, safeguarding anonymity. The results were, finding a common denominator that allows cognitive and curricular flexibility with people's talent and economic growth, boosting scientific knowledge in the national and international community; identifying “labor market needs”, ensuring the level of “employability”, helping to project the management of the “professional careers” of students / graduates.

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Higher Education, Human Interaction Skills, Sustainability, Business Community.