Exploration of a Lab Studio Model to Enhance Entrepreneurship Skills in Higher Education

Entrepreneurship is increasingly being included as a component in higher education and training curriculum internationally. A studio model holds promise for allowing entrepreneurial competencies to be fully integrated in higher education (Schon 1987). This paper introduces a multidisciplinary studio model, called LAB studio model, for higher education established at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OUAS) in Finland. This LAB studio model is theoretically grounded in a constructivist view of learning with problem-based education at its core. Furthermore, the model merges work-life experience with studio training in a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional experience. Using the categories outlined by Bull et al (2013), this paper compares existing studio training models with the LAB studio model. The comparison suggests that the LAB studio model is more closely aligned with industry needs and work place reality, in contrast to existing studio models, because it focuses on instruction in a competition structure; integrates experienced professionals and coaches from the industry; includes problems or ideas from industry; and builds multidisciplinary project teams. Further research is currently being conducted to explore this hypothesis.