Abstract
Innovation and entrepreneurship have been increasingly recognized as drivers of socio-economic development. The term innovative entrepreneur is a relatively new one and could be necessary for economic growth during a challenging and changing global environment. Previous studies have found that limited job opportunities for architectural graduates has meant that many have changed careers while others have had to innovate to survive within the profession. Therefore, architects must transform and innovate to survive and so should our curriculum. Learning how to train these innovative entrepreneurs effectively is key. Innovation can be taught and result in improved entrepreneurial skills that develop better entrepreneurial competence. The challenge is for educators, researchers and policymakers to create curricula that will impact design students to foster innovative entrepreneurial graduates and lead to eventual growth in the economy. This article is the result of a study that explored and measured the characteristics and dynamics of an innovative entrepreneur in design students. The sample consisted of South African students from the architecture, interior, graphics and multimedia disciplines. The study is the first step in understanding what behaviours and attitudes are present in African innovative entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that there is a relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes and innovation characteristics and behaviours. These can be nurtured through a dynamic design curriculum and increase a design student’s propensity to become a better designer within a thriving economy.
Highlights
IntroductionNew technologies and globalization have meant greater opportunities in business and economic development
The current business environment is constantly changing
African economies continue to be constrained and challenged by threats such as poverty, social deprivation and large income gaps that create inequality.[2]. People in these economies are being pushed towards entrepreneurship out of necessity, without any entrepreneurial education or a predisposition towards business ownership and commercial endeavours.[3]
Summary
New technologies and globalization have meant greater opportunities in business and economic development. These rapid changes have shaped a turbulent, crowded and highly competitive market.[1] African economies continue to be constrained and challenged by threats such as poverty, social deprivation and large income gaps that create inequality.[2] As a result, people in these economies are being pushed towards entrepreneurship out of necessity, without any entrepreneurial education or a predisposition towards business ownership and commercial endeavours.. ‘Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship have been increasingly recognized as engines to foster an entrepreneurial culture, driving forward socio-economic development.’[4] The traditional career path of working oneself up the ladder in a large organization is outdated. Job creators as opposed to job pursuers are becoming a necessity.[6]
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