The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on Human Capital at Upper‐Secondary Level

Abstract

In this study we evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education on human capital at the upper‐secondary level using a quasi‐experimental design. Data were collected from 494 students attending entrepreneurship education programs and from 238 in a control group. Our results indicate that some personality traits such as need for autonomy and risk propensity, as well as beliefs, can have a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurship education has a positive, albeit limited impact on human‐capital assets. The programs we assessed had a statistically significant impact on beliefs, on the capacity to exploit an opportunity, and on entrepreneurial knowledge. However, we did not observe any significant impact on entrepreneurial intention.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thierry Volery

Thierry Volery is a professor of entrepreneurship and a director of the Swiss Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, University of St. Gallen

Susan Müller

Susan Müller is a senior researcher at the World Vision Center for Social Innovation, EBS Business School

Fritz Oser

Fritz Oser is a professor emeritus in Education and Educational Psychology, University of Fribourg

Catherine Naepflin

Catherine Naepflin is a research associate at the University of Fribourg

Nuria del Rey

Nuria del Rey is a research associate at the University of Fribourg