How 3 Universities in the Gulf are Promoting Entrepreneurship

It is far from surprising that entrepreneurialism is a common theme in the visions of multiple oil rich gulf countries focusing on the development of more diversified economies. When entrepreneurialism is described as a form of job creation and a necessity in sustainable economic progress, the education sector has the responsibility to ask what role educational institutes play in promoting entrepreneurialism and entrepreneurial skills. This article highlights three universities which have had an impact on the promotion of entrepreneurship in the region.

1) Oman’s mandatory entrepreneurial classes

Oman’s 2040 vision states that Oman will “facilitate a private sector-led development based on innovation and entrepreneurship.” In efforts to realize this vision, the Ministry of Higher Education made it mandatory for all universities to offer entrepreneurship classes to undergraduate students. Thus, The University of Nizwa created the MGMT 100 course Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Creativity. Here, students learned about leadership theories, project management, and design. In addition, students culminated their experience in a business plan for a unique business idea related to their area of studies. For example, one student used the business plan developed in her course titled “Life Saving Equipment Manufacturing” to win second place at a National Innovative Business Idea Competition.

2) Qatar University’s entrepreneurship and innovation strategy

Qatar University has developed a comprehensive strategy to promote entrepreneurship through all aspects of the university ranging from research practices to educational programs and pedagogy, to start-up support. These initiatives are led by the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (SIEED). One core component of the strategy is to promote entrepreneurial capabilities through innovative programs and training targeting both faculty and students. These programs have already included innovator talks, start-up challenges, and pre-incubation programs in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank. As an additional component of the strategy, Qatar University has plans to provide faculty with targeted training to embed entrepreneurial skills in all programs.

3) Saudi Arabia’s university-based incubation centers

KAUST’s innovation center is one of the most impressive in the region. Within the university, students can take various courses focused on entrepreneurship while students and the community can develop start-up ideas and seek professional mentorships in an incubator type environment. Entrepreneurs can also seek funding through KAUST’s venture capital fund. The university already boasts an impressive portfolio of successful start-ups such as Uvera- a student founded start up which aims to transform food waste through the use of UV technology.

In order to maximize how entrepreneurship can be promoted at the university level, universities can take a holistic approach to ensure entrepreneurship is embedded in all aspects of the university from research to teaching and learning practices. For example, entrepreneurial skills can be embedded in the curricula through specific courses or mirrored in teaching and assessment strategies. Universities can also implement innovative programs which would allow students and the community to turn start-up ideas into companies generating revenue while positively impacting the wider national economies. Other innovative programs or clubs could also promote entrepreneurial skills such as university consulting clinics or student run campus shops.

Contact us today if you would like VIA Education Strategists to assist in the development of a comprehensive strategy to promote entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills at your institute.