New Perspectives in Science Education
From Classroom to Business Ideas: Fostering Eco-innovation through Engineering Entrepreneurship Education
Catalina Rus Casas, Electronic Engineering and Automatic Department, University of Jaén, Las Lagunillas Campus (Spain)
Maria Dolores. La Rubia, University of Jaén (Spain)
Juan Domingo Aguilar-Peña, University of Jaén (Spain)
Carlos Gilabert-Torres, University of Jaén (Spain)
Leocadio Hontoria-García, University of Jaén (Spain)
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative proposal aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial culture among engineering students at the University of Jaén, with the objective of driving eco-innovation in the industrial sector. Through the implementation of a cross-disciplinary training program, we seek to equip students with the necessary competencies to identify business opportunities, develop sustainable projects, and lead initiatives that contribute to the transformation of industry towards more efficient and environmentally friendly models [1,2].
The experience focuses on final-year students from various engineering disciplines, taking advantage of their greater academic maturity and proximity to the job market. Through practical and collaborative activities, the project aims to foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, as well as the development of entrepreneurial skills such as project management, fundraising, and effective communication. The paper presents the methodology implemented in the classroom to enable the replication of this initiative in other higher education institutions.
The initiative integrates a multidisciplinary team of professors from different engineering fields, enriching the program by providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities presented by industrial eco-innovation [3].
The project outcomes significantly exceeded expectations. A noteworthy 60% of surveyed students reported a substantial increase in their motivation to become entrepreneurs. Through the organization of workshops and the dissemination of results on the project's social media platform. Some social media posts detailing the activities conducted garnered over 1,000 interactions, indicating a profound interest from the academic community.
It is expected that this initiative will contribute to the training of a new generation of engineers capable of driving the transition towards a circular and sustainable economy, generating a positive impact on regional and global development.
