Entrepreneurship

From 2015, first-year undergraduates at TU Berlin will have an option to start studying without choosing a degree subject. A new “orientation year” will include a class in entrepreneurship, and coursework flexibility will give students more responsibility for their choices

Educators from four countries shared some stories of how methods for nurturing entrepreneurs are changing, at the Science|Business Innovation Connection Summit

Forget the theory: students are inspired by problem-solving and turning know-how into entrepreneurship. Even dissent is a focus for innovation, says John Einar Hustad of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Technology transfer in Germany is ripe for reform. A grace period for filing patents would help – and industry collaboration needs an overhaul, says Jörg Steinbach, President of the Technical University of Berlin

Experts say public procurement of innovation will help spur more start-ups. But a ‘bottom-up’ approach to designing EU programmes is also vital.

Concerns about job security and a relentless lifestyle are holding back would-be biotech entrepreneurs. Academics need to be shown the fun and energy of being in the start-up world says Kevin Johnson of Index Ventures

One of the biggest barriers to commercialising breakthrough research is getting scientists to come forward with their ideas. Rolling out the role models can help

Spin-outs from TU Berlin are multiplying despite the tough economic climate. This success holds lessons for other universities on how to promote entrepreneurship