Innovative Ways to Enhance the Growth Orientation of Nascent Entrepreneurs in Polytechnic

Jussi Halttunen, Jyvaskyla Polytechnic, (Finland)

Polytechnics and universities are crucial players in enhancing students’ attitudes toward starting a growth-oriented venture. Traditional entrepreneurial courses given in business schools can dissuade students from starting their own businesses due to increased fear of failure. A new and innovative model of pre-incubation has been developed at Jyvaskyla Polytechnic for enhancing the growth orientation of nascent entrepreneurs coming from polytechnic students. This preincubation model enhances the students’ entrepreneurial orientation
and supports their intention and motivation to start their own businesses after graduation.