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University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Engineering Education: A Multi-case Study of Entrepreneurship Education in China

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Conference

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Publication Date

June 24, 2017

Start Date

June 24, 2017

End Date

June 28, 2017

Conference Session

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation Division Poster Session

Tagged Division

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

15

DOI

10.18260/1-2--29059

Permanent URL

https://strategy.asee.org/29059

Download Count

900

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Paper Authors

biography

Wei Zhang Zhejiang University

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2015-Present Professor, Institute of China's Science,Technology and Education Strategy, Zhejiang University
Associate director of Research Center on Science and Education Development Strategy, Zhejiang University
2012-2014 Professor, School of management, Hangzhou Dianzi University
Dean of Organization Management, School of management, Hangzhou Dianzi University
2008-2012 Director of Teaching & Research Division, School of management, Hangzhou Dianzi University
2007-2012 Associate Professor, School of management, Hangzhou Dianzi University
2005-2007 Assistant Professor, School of management, Hangzhou Dianzi University

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biography

Yuexin Jiang Zhejiang University

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Master degree candidate in School of Public Affairs in Zhejiang University. Research direction: Educational Economy and Management.

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biography

Xiaofeng Tang Pennsylvania State University Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-6279-9941

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Xiaofeng Tang is a postdoctoral fellow in engineering ethics at Penn State University. He received his Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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Abstract

Abstract: As an active response to the national policy “public entrepreneurship and innovation,” the university innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem for engineering education provides a new model for developing theories and practices of entrepreneurial education in China’s most advanced universities. This study contributes in several ways to engineering education and entrepreneurship education. First, engineering education plays a crucial role in producing engineering talents required by the manufacturing industry, which is increasingly becoming a key factor in the competition for national power. Second, as one of the key strategies for global competition in human resources, university I&E ecosystem highlights the importance of questions like “how to disseminate I&E education in universities” and “how to cultivate college students’ entrepreneurial awareness, entrepreneurial thinking, and creativity.” Third, in spite of the rich theoretical and practical accomplishments in the fields of engineering education and I&E ecosystem theory, few work has attempted to combine the insights from both fields of study. This paper makes a novel contribution by bringing together literatures in engineering education and I&E ecosystem. We begin this paper by clearly defining and delineating entrepreneurial education in Chinese universities, identifying three major models of entrepreneurial education: 1) a specialized education model that focuses on entrepreneurial training and competency development; 2) a pre-incubation model that is characterized by entrepreneurial exchange and practices; and 3) the model of multi-subjects and whole process engagement. Next, using semi-structured interview and structured case study methods, this paper dynamically traces and conducts quantitative analysis of the design, construction, and operation of I&E ecosystems in Xi’an Jiaotong University and [the authors’ home institute].This section summarizes systems for entrepreneurial education in both universities, which combine practice-based engineering teaching, entrepreneurial schools, and maker spaces. In conclusion, we offer suggestions for improving I&E ecosystem for engineering education in China in five aspects: establishing Technology Transfer Office; founding entrepreneurial schools; building supply chains of I&E service for engineering education; faculty development in I&E education; and creating incentives for voluntary entrepreneurship among university communities, alumni, and students. Key words: Engineering Education, Entrepreneurship Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem(I&E Ecosystem)

Zhang, W., & Jiang, Y., & Tang, X. (2017, June), University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for Engineering Education: A Multi-case Study of Entrepreneurship Education in China Paper presented at 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio. 10.18260/1-2--29059

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