I refer to your article in the December issue, entitled ‘Breaking Out’ by Arnold Kransdorff.
Normally it is us entrepreneurs who are likely to make grand assumptions, but surely academics don’t have that right!
In particular, I refer to Kransdorff’s statement that “the international record confirms, most entrepreneurs have never been near tertiary institution”. This is totally unfounded, and if he wants source, I will use the research project he does use in the article – the Bartercard GEM Report, which shows that two thirds of entrepreneurs have post-secondary qualification.
Can ‘entrepreneurship’ be taught – you betcha! We are all born innovative – have you ever seen child stand still in playground. They go into their world of make-believe, run around as aeroplanes, play fairies or nurses, become giants. Unfortunately, the education system, by its very nature, does not generally encourage students to use this inherent ability. It is there, and can easily be drawn out. Entrepreneurship is merely the learning how to turn ‘innovation’ into commercial venture, and that task can be taught.
Certainly experiential learning is key, but it is experiential learning at an international level. I don’t follow the premise that we shouldn’t look at, and learn, from international companies. Learning “local” is the very reason we will stay in our cottage industry mindset.
Tony Falkenstein
