EDUCATION OF ENTREPRENEURS University – Private Sector and Industry Partnership Forum for Innovation, Research and Development 19 October 2017

Agenda Why is this needed Entrepreneurship Challenge Key Entrepreneurial Drivers Entrepreneurship Approach Concluding Thoughts Is this the long term sustainable plan to unemployment, poverty and inequality?

“Building a culture of entrepreneurship requires a fundamental rethinking of educational systems, both formal and informal, as well as the way in which lecturers or educators are trained, how examination systems function and the way in which rewards, recognition and incentives are given” Source: World Economic Forum, Educating the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs, Executive Summary, A Report of the Global Education Initiative, pg 9

Why is this so needed - Context … Africa need a dynamic culture of entrepreneurship that promotes entrepreneurial behavior and the creation of employment opportunities. Source – (figures)Stats SA, Mid-year population estimates (Statistical release P0302) - (picture) https://nationalplanningcommission.wordpress.com

Educational Realities – A Classroom World Traditional classroom delivery is predominately theoretical knowledge. Talk and chalk teaching style. Little or no exposure to entrepreneurship experiential learning. Low spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship among students and educators. Current curriculums often doesn’t include much entrepreneurial training. Performance is based on assessments and marks driven and not innovation. Albert Einstein once said “Education is that which remains, if one has forgotten everything one learned in school.”

How can we address the Entrepreneurship Challenge Introduction of Entrepreneurship Education starting in Schools and carried through into our Tertiary Educations. Establish strong Industry partnerships to foster these and importantly to support these financially. Train educators, educators are not always good entrepreneurs and often do not understand the process or principles. Educators must be relevant – in terms of understanding the current technologies used in Industry as well as how to transfer this knowledge in this new context. Use of Research Centres as Entrepreneur development incubators.

Can Entrepreneurship be Taught? Establish belief that we are all “Natural- Born” Entrepreneurs. Socially prepared Entrepreneurs. Educationally prepared Entrepreneurs. Strong belief that entrepreneurship is a skill that can be taught, or can it only be learned by doing?

What are the Key Drivers Working as a team What are the Key Drivers A sense of adventure A sense of wonder Taking initiative and risk Questioning Looking for opportunities Thinking flexibly Tapping into interest Thinking resourcefully Thinking critically A sense of determination Thinking creatively Thinking independently

How do we attain a dynamic culture of entrepreneurship? Introduce entrepreneurship education across all learning areas. Adopt 21st century methods and tools to develop appropriate learning environment for encouraging creativity, innovation and ability to ‘think out of the box’ to solve problems. Curriculum-aligned materials with innovative teaching and learning techniques/tools. E.g. University of Pretoria VR centre. Develop entrepreneurial skills and mind-sets in educators as well as learners/students.

Involve me, and I will understand.” “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.” Confucius, 490BC 10 10

Educational Impact VS Entrepreneurship Culture in the “Classroom” Traditional “Classroom” Delivery Entrepreneurship Culture in the “Classroom” Entrepreneurial Learner Creative, Critical thinker, Resourceful, Opportunity seeker Entrepreneurial skills Entrepreneurial mind-set Interactive experiential learning Performance Learner Passive, knowledgeable, Non risk takers, Accepts status quo Outcome based attitude Marks driven Theoretical knowledge VS Learner develops life skill to navigate and change current market realities Mark Twain once said that ”I have never let my schooling interfere with my education”.

Where has this been successfully implemented? Norway Sweden The 1st strategic plan for entrepreneurship in education and training ran from 2004 to 2008. An action plan was implemented – Entrepreneurship in Education and Training –and made compulsory in schools to higher education from 2009- 2014. The main objective is to strengthen the quality and scope of entrepreneurship education and training at all levels and areas of the education system. Budget Bill 2009 - teaching of entrepreneurship to be an integrated theme throughout the education system. In May 2009, the Government presented its strategy for entrepreneurship in the field of education. The strategy was aimed at encouraging the integration of entrepreneurship into all levels of education. Source: -Entrepreneurship Education at School in Europe National Strategies, Curricula and Learning Outcomes, March 2012, Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency

Concluding Thoughts Entrepreneurship is key to unlocking African wealth Focus on encouraging entrepreneurship throughout our educational systems and building a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem. Collaboration among key role players e.g.- Government, Business, Schools, Educators, Learners, NGO’s, Communities – is critical to achieving a positive outcome. Implement Policies to make sure that University staff is Incentivised to work externally and develop entrepreneurial teams. Educators must remain “Relevant”

Acknowledgements Presentation by Ernest Boateng at the African Renaissance Conference May 2016

Thank you Jan du Plessis PhD Pr Eng. Corp e-mail - jan.duplessis@glencore.co.za Work Cell - +27798802658 Private e-mail - bagbarrier@gmail.com Private Cell - +27834493737