The Introduction to Entrepreneurialism event took place at the Southgate Hotel, Exeter on 28 November 2018.

Introduction to Entrepreneurialism

Postgraduates and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are key catalysts of culture change. With this in mind, on 28 November, 31 early career academics from multiple disciplines gathered at the Southgate Hotel in Exeter to take part in an Introduction to Entrepreneurialism workshop. The event was held by Innovation, Impact and Business (IIB) and facilitated by Dr Simon Brown and Alan Scrase of P2T Consulting.

As Laura Loveday, Commercial and Business Programmes Officer explained: “The Economic Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the existing Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Business Boost Fund aims to embed engagement with business as a fundamental building block of researcher development, providing practical support for those who aim to put these skills to work in their research. At this interactive and engaging workshop the delegates were provided with tools, techniques and approaches to support and enable entrepreneurial behaviour. They also learned to communicate, and network with non-academics, and have the self-confidence and ability to see industrial opportunities."

Feedback from the event was very positive, as one attendee said: “Just wanted to say what an excellent training day yesterday was. I learnt so much and my head was buzzing all night. Thanks for putting it on for us.”

The University of Exeter has recently been awarded Business Boost funding from the ESRC as part of the existing Impact Acceleration Account (IAA). The aim of the ESRC-IAA is to facilitate academics working with external partners across the social sciences, aiming to enhance social science impact in the community.

The funding will also be used to develop events, which may include training and workshops for researchers, and networking events with industry representatives.

The ESRC IAA Business Boost Introduction to Entrepreneurialism event will be held again in the new location of Bristol on 6 February 2019. If you are interested in attending or finding out more on upcoming Business Boost events please contact Laura Loveday.

Date: 29 November 2018