An enterprise revolution for Egyptian universities

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the changes that are needed in order to create entrepreneurial graduate students and institutions in Egypt that are more relevant to the needs of the country post revolution, by applying the theories of entrepreneurship education and intrapreneurship to Egyptian universities.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use existing research on entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial institutions, combined with the results of primary research on Egyptian students, to determine what the country's universities ought to do if they are to meet the challenge.FindingsIt is concluded that Egyptian universities will need to transform not only what they teach, but how they teach, whilst at the same time transforming their own institutions in order to create more entrepreneurial learning environments.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on the application of theory and a limited study in one institution. A before and after experiment is needed on a larger scale, over a longer time‐period and in a cross section of institutions.Practical implicationsThe results should inform both policy formulation and the delivery of education in Egypt and the Region.Originality/valueThe conclusions have relevance for educational policy makers, university administrators and university academics, not just in business and economics but across all disciplines, and not just in Egypt and the Middle East but more broadly.