The Start-DSP project is set in a scenario where global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine conflict have become more pressing. These issues highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions that span across societal, economic, and policy realms. The project acknowledges the critical role of disruptive startups, social entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in tackling these complex challenges, advocating for new, transformative approaches for sustainable development.
Addressing the need for enhanced entrepreneurship education in higher education, the Start-DSP project identifies a gap in the current Higher Education Entrepreneurship Education (HE-EE). Despite its potential, HE-EE is often constrained by outdated knowledge, limited funding, and insufficient resources. This shortfall hampers its ability to effectively contribute to economic growth, digital transformation, and social and environmental sustainability. The project, therefore, aims to provide Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with innovative blended learning materials to better equip students with the skills and knowledge required to navigate and positively impact these challenging times.
The target group of the Start-DSP project is primarily focused on addressing the needs of various educators and stakeholders in the field of entrepreneurship education. Firstly, the primary target group consists of HEI (Higher Education Institutions) Entrepreneurship Educators. These are professionals responsible for implementing entrepreneurship education courses, programs, services, and strategies within their institutions. The project aims to directly involve these educators in resource development and targeted dissemination, leveraging the consortium's networks and global representation offices.
Additionally, the project addresses a secondary target group comprising Adult and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Entrepreneurship Educators. These are educators outside the higher education sector who also play a crucial role in entrepreneurship education. The materials and resources developed by the Start-DSP project are designed to be adaptable and modifiable, ensuring they can be tailored to fit the specific needs and contexts of these various educators. This approach ensures that the project's impact extends beyond the primary audience in higher education to include a broader range of educators and stakeholders in the field of entrepreneurship education.