Empowering Student Entrepreneurship Education: The Role of Academic Innovation Incubators

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the role of academic institutions extends beyond traditional education. Universities and faculties are becoming hubs of entrepreneurial activity, fostering cultures of innovation and creativity. Entrepreneurial education, especially at technical faculties, is a driving force for improving the skills needed to launch startups and innovative businesses that lead to the creation of new value, the commercialization of inventions and the creation of new jobs. By the end of 2023, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, fourteen innovation incubators have been established at faculties and institutes throughout Serbia. These innovative incubators provide a supportive environment that improves the entrepreneurial potential of students, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to develop innovative ideas and start business ventures. One such incubator is the Innovative incubator of Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak, which has shown significant progress in its first six months. This paper explores the importance of academic innovation incubators in empowering student entrepreneurship education, highlighting their role and impact.