Our entrepreneurial imperative

January 16, 2007

Our entrepreneurial imperative

Happy New Year! The new year is typically a season of reappraisal, goal setting and a time to try out and try on new ideas. The watchword for the College of Human Sciences to start this new year off with is entrepreneurship. There are many definitions of what entrepreneurs are and what an entrepreneurial culture does, but they all contain common elements applicable to business or education. The definitions are characterized by a need to find a better way, to change the status quo, to make a difference and to improve things. They speak to creativity, innovation, calculated risk-taking, and building value — but more importantly, they speak to new ideas that are followed by action. The entrepreneurial spirit is essentially about personal and economic growth. It is a mind-set that can be cultivated, promoted, and learned. Johannson said the most important strategy for starting an entrepreneurial effort is to bring people together in an "intersection of ideas." Individuals can become more entrepreneurial through interaction with different cultures and different disciplines, by leaving their assumptions at home, exploring multiple perspectives, and trying new learning approaches.

One of the primary reasons the university is exploring a resource-centered business model is to provide us with an environment that is more entrepreneurial in nature. The CHS welcomes this opportunity. Due to the recent combination and reconfiguration, we are in an ideal position to move forward in this entrepreneurial environment. First, coming up is a workshop with Dr. Michael Morris, the Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair and one of the nation's leading educators on entrepreneurship. I strongly encourage faculty from all our departments to attend this workshop on Jan. 25-26. Please register by Friday. Second, there is a new college initiative inviting proposals in new teaching innovations (e.g., new courses or approaches that might inspire more student majors or credit hours) and new program initiatives (which might pilot new research areas, degree programs, or centers.) RFP's and further announcement will be forthcoming shortly. I think it's a wonderful way to launch the new year!

Cheryl

References:

Johansson, Frans. The Medici Effect, Breakthrough Insights at the Intersection of Ideas, Concepts and Cultures. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School, 2004.

Schramm, Carl J. The Entrepreneurial Imperative. New York: HarperCollins, 2006.