A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Extracurricular Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract

This paper presents the findings from a systematic literature review (SLR) which explores the impact of extracurricular entrepreneurship education (EC) within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It identifies (i) examples and influences of EC in HEIs, (ii) their impact, (iii) causal relationships between EC and entrepreneurial outcomes and (iv) further research needed. It shows that EC in HE appears in many forms and generally has a positive effect on the entrepreneurial mindset (EM); entrepreneurial intention (EI); entrepreneurial action (EA) and entrepreneurial competences. This SLR (i) informs entrepreneurship educators of previous practice of EC and its impact on EM, EI and EA enabling them to develop and sustain EC for positive outcomes and (ii) stimulates policy makers to promote entrepreneurship as an essential catalyst for wealth creation. Further research identified: (i) the need for longitudinal studies to clarify more precisely the causal relationships between: (a) EC and EM development, EI and EA and (b) intended and actual learning outcomes of entrepreneurship education and the development of entrepreneurial competences; (ii) the progression between EI and EA; (iii) the impact of specific forms of EC and (iv) the need to research the impact of EC and gender on EM, EI, and EA.