Launching An Undergraduate Engineering Entrepreneurship Program

Historically, entrepreneurship education has been based in business schools, particularly at the MBA and graduate school level. However, with advances in technology driving new products and companies, engineers are becoming key players in new ventures. Thus, there is need for training students at the undergraduate level to manage, lead, and innovate our technological future. With the support of a grant from the GE Learning Excellence Fund, the College of Engineering through the Problem-Based Learning in Entrepreneurship (PBLE) Program is developing engineering undergraduate courses that incorporate product conceptualization, design, feasibility (technical and market) in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting. The PBLE Program targets students from three academic areas: Engineering, Business and IST (Information Sciences and Technology). This paper explains the processes used to define the new entrepreneurship curriculum, core courses, assessment approach, institutionalization of engineering entrepreneurship, and lessons learned. Introduction Over the past three years, five factors combined to demonstrate a need and interest in a problembased, collaborative learning program (and Minor) in entrepreneurship for Penn State undergraduate engineering students. ∑ Research data is confirming that active, collaborative learning methods produce statistically significant gains in student learning than those associated with more traditional instruction methods. ∑ Design courses provided continuously throughout the undergraduate education process is a goal outlined in the ABET2000 Engineering Criteria. ∑ Most recent feedback from the Industrial and Professional Advisory Committee (IPAC) for Penn State’s suggests continued focus on written and oral communications, ability to work on multi-disciplinary teams, project planning and management skills. ∑ Alumni interest and financial support via endowments for engineering entrepreneurship education is growing. ∑ Participation in REEE2000 and REEE2001 Conferences – Roundtable for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education, at Stanford University confirmed that good engineering design in inherently a creative process, and gaining business acumen is key for engineering entrepreneurship education. Session 2793