Training
Issue No. 60 - August/ /
BIE degree gives startups new focus
by Gary Hancock
A new degree program to fast track development of SA entrepreneurs has begun at the University of Adelaide.
The Bachelor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship degree is an 18-month program offered by the university’s Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre designed to fast-track young entrepreneurs.
“The program was initially requested by our Singapore Campus Manager,” says Program Director, Gary Hancock. “She had identified a latent demand for an undergraduate qualification for entrepreneurship and innovation. Singapore has had a policy to develop an entrepreneurial society and education is seen as an important aspect of addressing that policy.”
Gary has taught small business management, new venture management, introduction courses to entrepreneurship and innovation since 2001, at UniSA and at the University of Adelaide since 2007.
“The courses always attracted large numbers of students and they consistently provided feedback that this approach was far more valuable and relevant to them than the ‘traditional’ business courses run by universities,” Gary says.
“The traditional business courses were seen as being relevant to those who were aspiring to work in large corporations. However, many students understand they are more likely to work in small, innovative and entrepreneurial ventures, or even have to start their own.”
Market research following the Singapore campus reques confirmed the need among students. The source of students with skills and knowledge that could lead to an innovative and entrepreneurial career path was identified as coming from TAFE, University students currently studying an undergraduate degree and private RTOs.
“At a broader level, there is a growing demand for pathways for student from VET programs such as those run in TAFE and other RTOs to be able to articulate to University education,” Gary says. The BIE pro...
