Entrepreneurship Education at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The practical relevance of entrepreneurship education and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is becoming particularly vital in today's rapidly changing environment. In a world characterized by constant evolution, individuals must possess the skills and adaptive mindset to deal with complexities successfully. However, the role of entrepreneurial thinking is often underestimated. This underestimation often derives from a narrow perception that associates it solely with business creation.
However, the essence of entrepreneurial thinking extends far beyond this, covering a range of competencies crucial for personal and professional success (Baggen et al., 2022). For instance, coping with ambiguity and uncertainty and learning through experience are essential competences from the Entrecomp framework (Bacigalupo & Van den Brande, 2016). In real-world situations, these competences empower individuals to navigate uncertain and complex environments. When faced with ambiguous challenges like relocation to a new city, individuals with these competences can remain adaptable, make informed decisions, and learn from their experiences, fostering continuous growth in both personal and professional context.
This consultancy report depicts a  journey delving into Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's entrepreneurial education and ecosystem. Unlike traditional top-down approaches to change programs, our unique perspective derives from in-depth interviews conducted using a bottom-up methodology. We engaged with individuals at the heart of implementation, unlocking insights that redefine how we perceive entrepreneurial education.
The study explores the pedagogical landscape within Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, seeking not only to understand but to enhance the interaction of education within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. By engaging with key stakeholders, we've discovered nuances related to awareness, accessibility, and effectiveness of existing educational programs. 
The resulting insights from our research highlight two critical facets. First, there exists a significant gap in awareness among students across disciplines regarding the opportunities and the practical relevance of entrepreneurial education. This requires a redefinition of entrepreneurship, challenging assumptions and stereotypes. Simultaneously, our findings underscore the urgency of instilling essential competencies within the educational framework, emphasizing the pivotal role of teacher training. What sets our report apart is its potential for transformative impact.
By developing a strategy to break down stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial culture, our study aims to broaden perspectives, not just within Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam but throughout the wider educational landscape. This isn't just meant to be a consultancy report, but a catalyst for change to the broader entrepreneurship education landscape
The study concludes with actionable recommendations, advising for a rebuilding of communication strategies to include students from diverse backgrounds and redefining the understanding of an entrepreneurial mindset. Further, the emphasis on fostering essential competencies and reshaping the educational landscape for teachers is crucial. In addition to the immediate changes, the study also outlines a path for future research, encouraging the testing and application of these strategies in broader educational contexts. The knock-on effect of this research extends beyond Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, by providing recommendations to other institutions desiring to enrich their entrepreneurial education programs.