The KU E-ship TLC: Supporting entrepreneurial thinking in the classroom and beyond

Elisabeth Friis & James Baxendale, Kansas State University

A university-wide program in entrepreneurial thinking called the Multidisciplinary Entrepreneurship Thematic Learning Community (or E-ship TLC) was formed at the University of Kansas in fall 2004. Co-sponsored by the School of Engineering and the Office of Technology Transfer, the E-ship TLC meets weekly and is open to the
public. The program’s premise is that entrepreneurial thinking skills needed in starting and running a small business are similar to those needed in any size company. In the program, individuals interested in innovation and business and technology development learn together in a cost- and resource-efficient environment. Entrepreneurs and experts in business and related fields present lectures on business, legal, and regulatory topics. The E-ship TLC is available for use in any course. New multidisciplinary technology-based entrepreneurship courses require the students to attend the E-ship TLC. Details of the program and current and expected outcomes are discussed in this session.