Supporting UWS Enterprise: outlining an intervention framework for entrepreneurial students

The third mission of universities, beyond teaching provision and research activity, includes encouraged entrepreneurial action for social good (Crammond, 2023a; 2023b; Chinnasamy et al., 2024; ERC, 2024). This action, embraced by UWS, responds to socio-economic and cultural challenges including confronting skills gaps, developing sustainable business, contributing to sector growth, and building community and national wealth. These instigate fresh approaches within education. Supported by in-house opportunities, UWS students are exposed to these approaches within formalised Entrepreneurship Education (EE) (Abushakra et al., 2019), commercially or societally focussed venture programmes, and engagement with industry (Patricio and Ferreira, 2022). Consequently, students achieve entrepreneurial goals and outcomes shared with UWS staff by becoming work-ready graduates with expanded skillsets (Crammond, 2024), market offerings, and solutions to problems (Crammond, 2020).

This presentation outlines an ‘adaptive intervention framework’, reflecting on national policy, across government and academia, highlighting: • University-based support: education and training, professional development, and partnerships (Normand and Anderson, 2017). • Collaboration: examining the policy landscape, change agents, and opportunities (Perkmann et al., 2012). • Legacy building: the enduring role of UWS amidst industry and societal change (Crammond, 2023b).

This emphasises enterprise (engagement) as a fundamental element of learning and teaching in promoting sustainable collaborations, innovation, and vibrant educational environments.