Developing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Professional Educational Institutions through Reinforcement of Accreditation Framework

• Published in: International journal of innovative technology and exploring engineering 2019-12, Vol.9 (2), p.3023-3029
• Main Authors: Siddiqui, Mujahid J., Siddiqui, Aaliyah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2278-3075; 2278-3075
• DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.B6660.129219

This study identifies the underlying dimensions which promote entrepreneurial environment in the professional institutions. We analyze the present status of the entrepreneurship as included in the accreditation processes by two accrediting bodies in India i.e. National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). We devise a model to expand the presence of entrepreneurship aspect into the assessment criterion pertaining to entrepreneurship within these frameworks of accreditation. The study used two scales for obtaining data from the professional institutions. While one scale for measuring the entrepreneurial intentions was adopted a new scale for measuring the ‘support to entrepreneurship by institutions, was developed. Exploratory factor analysis performed on the data identified the seven dimensions, which create a positive impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the professional institutions. Bivariate Correlation analysis is performed and results reveal a significant relationship between entrepreneurial intentions of the students and the supporting entrepreneurial activities by educational institutions. The present study conducted in December 2018, evaluated the Entrepreneurial intensions of the students enrolled in the professional programs and their linkage with the support to entrepreneurial activities by the educational institutions. The study has identified five main factors namely, training, guidance and counseling, Infrastructural support, networking opportunities and incubation and mentoring and two weakly supported factors – participation in entrepreneurship events and patent licensing and technology support. These factors can collectively help promote entrepreneurship in the professional institutions. The seven dimensions were proposed to be included in the accreditation process as the present accreditation framework in India was found to be adversely skewed towards entrepreneurship. The paper attempts to begin a debate on how accreditation can drive the national education agenda rather than merely play the role of quality assessor which igonores the vital aspects of entrepreneurship