Shining Together: Celebrating the team at IEEC2023 and the Harmonious Path Ahead

David and I are thrilled to report on our recent contributions to the 17th International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference (IEEC) hosted this year by the University of Surrey, where, once again, colleagues and peers in enterprise and entrepreneurship education from the UK and overseas showcased ground-breaking research and engaged in the sharing of best practice.

David and Emeritus Professor John Thompson delivered a conference keynote on a project they have been conducting with Professors Colette Henry and Luke Pittaway on ‘The History of Entrepreneurship Education in the United Kingdom, 1860-2020’. Apart from sharing their extensive knowledge and experience of the Enterprise Education landscape, they challenged the conference to build on the past and formulate an agenda for the 21st century, as we are doing with ‘Harmonious Entrepreneurship’ – the study’s proposed fifth typification.

I was genuinely biting to take my spot in the Pecha Kucha (PK) research track where I shared my novel hermeneutic phenomenological research design to provide an evocative insight into the subjective realities that often remain unspoken in the narrative of day-to-day practice of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship educators. The fast-paced rhythm of the PK format added a unique adrenaline rush, pushing us to convey our messages succinctly whilst supported only by image. I was honoured to share the floor with Trudie Murray of Munster Technological University, Ireland, who was presenting her PhD research on early childhood education as the cornerstone for nurturing entrepreneurial development. Our session was enhanced by highly engaged chairs, Dr Breda O’Dwyer and Associate Professor Andreas Walmsley (Plymouth Marjon University). The questions rolled and reception of our audience was overwhelmingly positive and well received.

After more than 50 years of experience and with more than 300 delegates attending IEEC 2023, Entrepreneurship Education is firmly established in British Higher Education. As the Triple E European Entrepreneurial University of the Year for 2022, UWTSD is well positioned to continue leading its further development, and HES is happy to play its part in doing so locally, nationally, and internationally. As Franz Kafka has recognised, “From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached”.
Has it been?

In reflecting upon the strides made by the Harmonious Entrepreneurship Society, it’s imperative to also shine a light on the broader achievements of the International Institute of Creative Entrepreneurial Development team (IICED) led by Professor Kathryn Penaluna. IICED left an indelible mark at #IEEC23. The collective efforts of the team, which included Hazel Israel and Paul Ranson, culminated in the prestigious Best Workshops in Track awards. These accolades stand as a testament to UWTSD’s unwavering dedication to entrepreneurial education. As part of this stellar team, David and I feel immense pride in our collective accomplishments and the recognition of our commitment to excellence in the realm of entrepreneurial education. Our journey, as a united front, amplifies the innovation and tenacity of UWTSD in setting new benchmarks for Entrepreneurial Education globally.

UWTSD Press Release