Identifying the Components of Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Design Education Students

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student of Industrial Design, Department of Industrial Design, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Design, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The entrepreneurial mindset encompasses a range of qualities that enable individuals to identify opportunities, innovate, and create sustainable ventures. It influences personal, professional, and business realms, equipping individuals to navigate complexities in today’s evolving global economy. In design education, fostering this mindset has become critical, as it bridges creativity with strategic thinking, enhancing designers’ abilities to innovate and address market demands. Design thinking and entrepreneurial thinking are distinct, complementary approaches to fostering innovation. Design thinking emphasizes user-centric problem-solving and iterative processes, focusing on creations that meet user needs. Entrepreneurial thinking centers on identifying and exploiting business opportunities, prioritizing strategic foresight, scalability, and economic value. Integrating these approaches provides design students with the tools to innovate holistically, ensuring that their ideas are both user-focused and market-ready. This study identifies and integrates key components essential for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among design students. Using a synthetic methodology, it combines theoretical and practical aspects to propose a framework tailored to specific socio-economic and cultural contexts. Through a meta-synthesis of existing literature, five key components form the foundation of a design education model. The first one is Awareness and Activation of Entrepreneurial Design Capabilities, which involves developing mental, cognitive, and social skills such as self-awareness, problem-solving, resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Practical experiences, including collaborations with local businesses and real-world projects, are crucial for cultivating these skills. The second is Understanding and Creating Entrepreneurial Design Opportunities. Recognizing and leveraging opportunities requires an understanding of target markets and user behaviors. Universities can facilitate this through industry partnerships that enable students to evaluate the feasibility and impact of their solutions. The third is Prototyping and Business Model Development. Bridging ideation and implementation, this component incorporates tools such as the Business Model Canvas and simulations. These tools help students refine strategies and test solutions using local data for contextual relevance. The fourth is Financial and Legal Literacy. To address common gaps in financial and legal knowledge, design curricula should include training in budgeting, financial management, and intellectual property rights. Emphasizing regional legal frameworks ensures preparedness for local challenges. The last is Development, Execution, and Commercialization of Designs, which focuses on transforming ideas into market-ready solutions through branding, pitching, and commercialization. Platforms for presenting ideas to industry offer feedback and networking opportunities. By fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, design education can transcend traditional boundaries and prepare students for innovation-driven careers. This paper highlights the interdisciplinary nature of design, emphasizing its intersection with management, technology, and economics. By cultivating entrepreneurial skills, educational institutions empower students to contribute to innovation ecosystems and address societal challenges. Future studies should examine the implementation of this framework in academic settings, considering the cultural and economic variables that affect its success. This study lays the groundwork for integrating entrepreneurial thinking into design curricula, emphasizing its potential to drive economic, social value creation. Through design, educational institutions can equip students with the tools to innovate, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. This holistic approach not only benefits individuals but also contributes to building resilient and creative societies.

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Visual Arts
Volume 30, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 71-86

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