Power and autonomy : toward understanding the political dimensions of entrepreneurship in higher education

This study examines the concept of entrepreneurship as it relates to the culture and purpose of the university. An integrative review is employed to examine literature covering entrepreneurial theory, academic culture, and educational initiatives geared toward building enterprising or entrepreneurial competence. Chapter one provides an introduction to the problem, the questions, the terms and the methodology. Chapter two sets the preoccupation with entrepreneurship now shared by most western societies in contemporary historical perspective. Economic theories of entrepreneurship that have long stressed the importance of instrumental knowledge are briefly introduced, with emphasis on the ideas of Joseph Schumpeter, who remains the authority on entrepreneurship. Schumpeter stressed that values are the starting point for any new economic system, a principle that forms the basis for the remainder of the thesis. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the university community's different perceptions of entrepreneurship as an organizing principle for the creation and diffusion of knowledge, and a contrast of select "enterprise cultures" in western societies. In chapter three, competencies that the literature suggests are part of the entrepreneurial function are delineated. Chapter four discusses educational theories and practices intended to strengthen the enterprising capacities of individuals and societies, focusing upon programs currently implemented and others being proposed. The concluding chapter synthesizes the implications of the study and provides suggestions for further research.Education, Faculty ofGraduat