Locals are being urged to rethink how universities approach entrepreneurship education to better prepare students for the modern economy.

A recent report by the Science System Advisory Group has highlighted significant gaps in entrepreneurship education within New Zealand's universities.

The report emphasises that universities are failing to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the entrepreneurial realities of the modern economy.

Key findings from the report indicate that PhD programmes remain overly focused on academic pursuits, despite most graduates pursuing careers in industry, startups, or government.

Furthermore, entrepreneurship is poorly integrated into STEM degrees, leaving students lacking in innovation and research commercialisation skills.

According to Rod McNaughton, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland, "Entrepreneurship education must start earlier. Many innovation-driven countries introduce entrepreneurial thinking in secondary, and even primary school, exposing students to essential skills like problem-solving, innovation, and business-building."

Professor Rod McNaughton.

McNaughton stresses that universities cannot drive this change alone.

"Government support is crucial. The Government must support industrial PhD programmes, incentivise industry partnerships, and fund co-operative and entrepreneurship education across disciplines."

The University of Waterloo in Canada offers a compelling model for fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

By integrating entrepreneurship into STEM programs, combining researcher-owned IP models with co-operative education programs, and cultivating a thriving innovation ecosystem, Waterloo has achieved significant economic impact.

Rod McNaughton notes that New Zealand students do not see entrepreneurship as a viable career path at the same rate as their global peers.

"This is not due to a lack of talent or ambition but rather structural barriers in the education system."

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