The distribution, integration and practices of university accelerators in Malaysian higher education institutions
ISSN: 0040-0912
Article publication date: 5 June 2024
Issue publication date: 16 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the distribution, integration and practices of university accelerators in higher education institutions of a developing country. Next, this study proposes a pedagogic mode that combines theoretical and experiential learning to enhance higher education institutions’ ability to co-create and deliver an entrepreneurial learning environment for its students, graduates, and academic staff.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a multi-methods design. The quantitative design collected secondary data of entrepreneurship education programmes and university accelerators by browsing websites of 39 Malaysian higher education institutions in June 2023. The qualitative design collected primary data in the form of narratives of practices of university accelerators and secondary data in the form of descriptions of practices of university accelerators from selected exemplar entrepreneurial universities.
Findings
Twenty-five higher education institutions, consisting of 15 public higher education institutions and 10 private higher education institutions, have some form of university accelerator initiatives. However, there is a lack of evidence to suggest integration of entrepreneurship education programmes and university accelerators in Malaysian higher education institutions, with the exception of a few higher education institutions. Lastly, this study found heterogeneity in the characteristics and outcomes of different university accelerators in Malaysian higher education institutions.
Research limitations/implications
This study is exploratory and subjected to the availability and accuracy of published information on the websites and in the reports of Malaysian higher education institutions surveyed.
Originality/value
This study contextualises university accelerators in a developing country where this type of research is scarce and contributes to the body of knowledge by replicating prior empirical analyses.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the narratives provided by Professor Ts. Dr. Salmiah Kasolang, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Entrepreneurship), UiTM and Associate Professor Dr. Muhamad Azry Khoiry, Deputy Director, UKM-CESMED.
This work was supported by the Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund under grant number XMUMRF/2019-C4/ISEM/0022.
The funding source had no role in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication.
Citation
Looi, K.H. and Maritz, A. (2024), "The distribution, integration and practices of university accelerators in Malaysian higher education institutions", Education + Training, Vol. 66 No. 4, pp. 357-378. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-09-2023-0367
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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