The EntreComp Bias: A Qualitative Study on Entrepreneurial Competence in Entrepreneurship Training

Abstract

As entrepreneurship is seen as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and social progress, European public authorities are promoting entrepreneurial activity through education and training. Despite extensive research on academic entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurship training has received less attention. Entrepreneurship education refers to structured educational interventions designed to equip potential and existing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to start and run successful businesses. Entrepreneurship training is designed to promote the entrepreneurial competences identified in the European Commission’s Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp). In a qualitative study of training activities, a content analysis was conducted to assess the compliance of the learning content with this policy standard. An internet search identified 194 courses in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region, Germany. The course descriptions were systematically analyzed and coded using the EntreComp framework. The results indicate that the courses primarily convey management knowledge rather than an entrepreneurial mindset. More than 50% of the content is related to start-up preparation, legal issues, finance and marketing, with less emphasis on creativity and interpersonal skills. Most courses prioritize knowledge acquisition, often neglecting the development of skills and attitudes. The entrepreneurship training programs studied adhere to a traditional approach to education in terms of educational paradigms. The study highlights a discrepancy between recommended policies and educational practices and suggests implications for the design of entrepreneurship training programs.