The LAB studio model: enhancing entrepreneurship skills in higher education

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is increasingly being included as a component in higher education and training curriculum internationally. This paper introduces a multidisciplinary studio model, called LAB studio model, for higher education established at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OUAS) in Finland. This LAB studio model is theoretically grounded in a constructivist view of learning with problem-based education at its core and draws from traditional studio models for training (Schon, 1987). Furthermore, the model merges work-life experience with studio training in a multidisciplinary and multi-professional environment. Using the categories outlined by Bull et al. (2013), this paper compares existing studio training models with the LAB studio model. This comparison suggests that the LAB studio model is more closely aligned with industry needs and work place reality, in contrast to existing studio models, because it focuses on instruction in a competitive structure; integrates experienced professionals and coaches from the industry; includes problems or ideas from industry; and builds multidisciplinary project teams. Overall, it is suggested that the LAB studio model holds promise to more fully integrate entrepreneurial competences in contrast to existing training models. Further research is currently being conducted to explore this hypothesis.