The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education: An Evaluation of the Berger Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Arizona, 1985-1999

Abstract

The effect of the Berger Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Arizona from 1985 through 1988 is examined by comparing graduates of the school who participated in the program with a matched sample of non-entrepreneurship business graduates from the same school. Also evaluated are the effects of the program regarding technology transfer from the university to the private sector; the effect of the program on private donations to the business college; and the educational effect of the entrepreneurial curriculum on other disciplines of the college.

Results indicate that entrepreneurship education fosters risk-taking and the creation of new business ventures; increases the likelihood of graduates being self-employed; causes a significant positive impact on the income of graduates; increases job satisfaction from increased income; contributes to the growth of businesses, especially small ones; promotes the transfer of technology from the university to the private sector; and promotes technology-based firms and products.

A survey of 34 deans, department heads, and development officers at the university, reveals that educational innovations in the entrepreneurship program improve the curriculum of other business disciplines and the MBA program at the school.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship education, Technology transfer, Self-employment, Risk orientation, Firm growth, Wealth