How can Design Thinking promote entrepreneurship in young people?

Abstract

Design Thinking has the potential to promote entrepreneurial competencies in European schools. This paper presents an Educational Programme based on Design Thinking and its empirical application in the curricula in four European countries. Targeting 10-15 year old students, the programme demonstrates an impact on entrepreneurial attitudes. Over 300 participants in Cyprus, Denmark, France and Spain responded positively to the initiative and reported a better understanding of entrepreneurship. Qualitative and quantitative results also showed that Design Thinking based strategies are effective to foster entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, problem solving and self-confidence. Interestingly however, experimentation results reported a negative impact on collaboration related skills.