Science meets entrepreneurship: Developing an entrepreneurial mindset

Introduction

Key terms: entrepreneurial mindset, generating impact with your PhD project, effectuation principles, goal setting, introductory course, relevant for students in all stages of their PhD trajectory.

ECTS: 1
Number of sessions: 1
Hours per session: 3

This workshop aims to help PhD students develop an entrepreneurial mindset by introducing the five principles of effectuation. The core question addressed is: How can you leverage your research knowledge to create value in society and industry beyond traditional academic pathways?

The workshop focuses on practical goal-setting techniques and impact assessment. You will learn to think strategically about short-term and long-term actions, evaluate resources and obstacles, and identify opportunities to translate your research into real-world applications. This entrepreneurial thinking approach enhances problem-solving skills and opens new avenues for collaboration, funding, and career development.

The session combines an interactive workshop with practical exercises where you apply effectuation principles to your own research context. You will practice setting actionable (short and long term) goals and develop insights into how your expertise can generate broader societal and industrial impact.
 

Entry level and relevance

This workshop is designed as an introductory course suitable for PhD students from all disciplines and research traditions, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. No specific knowledge of business, entrepreneurship, or commercialisation is required to participate successfully.
The course is relevant for students in all stages of their PhD trajectory, from those just beginning their research to those preparing for post-PhD career transitions. The entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking skills taught are valuable whether you plan to remain in academia, transition to industry, or explore alternative career paths.
The workshop is particularly useful for students interested in increasing the societal impact of their research, developing professional skills beyond traditional academic competencies, or exploring how their expertise might be applied in non-academic contexts.
 

Relations with other courses 

This workshop offers a focused crash course introduction to entrepreneurial thinking that complements the Academia to entrepreneurial impact (A2EI) programme, a comprehensive self-paced course available through our UNIC partnership.

While this workshop provides a concentrated overview of entrepreneurial mindset development through effectuation principles, the A2EI programme offers extensive hands-on practice with entrepreneurship tools such as Lean Startup methodology, Business Model Canvas, and Design Thinking. 
Students can choose either one of these courses based on their time availability and depth of interest. 
 

How to prepare

Tools and materials will be shared during the workshop. Some recommended readings will be shared prior to the workshop. No advance preparations are required. All you need to bring is an open mind and energy to engage with new ways of thinking about your research impact and career development.