The Future of Education

The rapid evolution of entrepreneurship education has seen a growing shift from traditional business degrees to alternative learning models such as micro-credentials. Micro-credentials offer practical, industry-relevant knowledge, which aligns with the Competency-Based Educational approach that showcases evidence of mastery in specific skills or knowledge areas. These credentials are shorter than traditional qualifications, but they can complement or consist of several parts that make up a formal accredited qualification from a Higher Education Institution, providing a flexible alternative to traditional degrees. This study adopts a qualitative approach to explore whether micro-credentials are perceived as more effective in developing and fostering entrepreneurial and business management skills compared to traditional business and entrepreneurship qualifications. Additionally, it seeks to investigate whether business owners and entrepreneurs, would consider pursuing micro-credentials as a more flexible and practical alternative to traditional degrees for upskilling and addressing business challenges. The research will conduct semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and business owners across various sectors to explore their perceptions of the value, accessibility, and effectiveness of micro-credentials versus traditional business degrees. Thematic analysis will be employed to analyse the data. The study seeks to offer insights for higher education institutions to adapt their curricula by integrating more flexible, skills-based learning options that cater specifically to the needs of working professionals.