Integrated Approach as a Way of Overcoming Entrepreneurship Education Challenges in Elementary Schools in MENA Countries: Evidence from Iran

Abstract

Since entrepreneurship and its outcomes, especially in the private sector, lead to a considerable increase in quantity and quality of businesses and new products in society, it is considered as the key to solving economic and social problems. Due to the social and cultural achievements of society, the benefits of non-economic entrepreneurship (social entrepreneurship), have really increased which per se implies that improvement of entrepreneurial mind and culture becomes crucially important. Entrepreneurship education in both formal and informal educational systems is one of the most effective ways to institutionalize entrepreneurship. However, due to its wide range of purposes, the philosophy and importance of entrepreneurship education in the community could be complicated and challenging. In this regard, one must develop the concept for education and training in the community, along with other planned activities. In any case, there are a number of challenges and obstacles in designing and executing these programs in MENA countries like Iran. In this study, via qualitative research, the authors identified and investigated these obstacles and then provided guidelines for tackling the challenges. The key determinants in this study were curriculum development researchers and entrepreneurship education experts. In the end, findings showed that in order to promote entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and attitude in elementary school students, we could integrate entrepreneurship concepts in courses like mathematics, sciences, social sciences, Persian language, work and technology.