Resilience and the Entrepreneurial University During Turbulent Times: A Model for the Higher Education Sector

Abstract

Turbulent times include economic crises, recessions, health pandemics, war situations, including the recent COVID-19 crisis which had significant economic and social ramifications. Turbulence impacts the economy, businesses, and societies as whole. Crises impact the education industry not only in terms of teaching and learning but also the next level of learning outcome as job opportunities and career growth of the stakeholders. University systems play a major role in handling turbulence and generating resilience methods to ensure the least possible impact on the sector. The entrepreneurial mindset of the universities encourages them towards risk-taking, becoming initial movers, and being innovators in their approaches (Etzkowitz et al., 1998). This chapter provides a broader understanding of different types of turbulence, as well as the intensity of impact on the higher education sector. It also discusses how these turbulent times come with opportunities which can be leveraged by institutions. With an extensive literature review and understanding, it proposes a conceptual multilayered model to support entrepreneurial development. This study employs desk research methods to understand, review, and propose methods and methodology to encourage and adapt universities handling turbulence and crises. Lack of research in handling crises and turbulence in the case of higher education makes this study imperative. The outcome extends the conceptual understanding of turbulent situations and will help the universities to self-introspect and understand the ways for reacting to these changes, crises, and turbulences. Discussion on National Education Policy enhances the understanding for educators and universities to utilize added opportunities.

Citation

Vazirani, K., Kalra, R. and M., G. (2024), "Resilience and the Entrepreneurial University During Turbulent Times: A Model for the Higher Education Sector", Hack-Polay, D., Lock, D., Caputo, A., Lokhande, M. and Salunkhe, U. (Ed.) Global Higher Education Practices in Times of Crisis: Questions for Sustainability and Digitalization, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-052-020241006