AACSB International (AACSB), the world's largest global education network, has recognised Strathclyde Business School for its commitment to creating and incubating cutting-edge business innovations and fostering entrepreneurship in the next generation of business leaders. Strathclyde Business School is one of 35 business schools around the globe to earn this distinction.
In its inaugural year, AACSB's Entrepreneurship Spotlight Challenge highlights AACSB-accredited schools that deliver innovative and creative best practices through a range of distinctive entrepreneurship programmes, or through a variety of impactful centre formats. Accredited schools were invited to submit one example of how they demonstrate a unique commitment to student learning, while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills required to be successful in business - whether it's in a startup or within a world-renowned corporation. Central to the challenge was uncovering schools' unique approaches to engaging the business community, expanding the reach of education beyond the classroom and positively impacting society.
As part of the selection process, the nominations were reviewed by a panel of corporate leaders from a variety of disciplines, including venture capital, consulting, and accounting. Core to the Collective Vision for the industry, AACSB supports the collaboration of business practice with business education. By integrating the perspectives of business professionals into the selection process, relevant impact could be identified.
A total of 120 nominations were submitted by AACSB-accredited schools across 34 countries, all of which highlighted unique approaches to fostering and developing entrepreneurship in undergraduate and graduate students
Thomas R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International, said, "Strathclyde Business School is being recognised this year in AACSB's Entrepreneurial Spotlight Challenge for its commitment to fostering in its students the creativity, problem solving, and innovative mindset required of future business leaders.
"Core to AACSB's mission is ensuring that the future of business education is built on innovative and cutting-edge thinking, exemplified by the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, which we are proud to showcase."
Strathclyde Business School was recognised for their submission centred on the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship which, endowed by alumnus, entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, focuses on the study, research and encouragement of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindsets. It plays a leading role in both the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and the MIT REAP Scotland team and participates in Babson's Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurial Practices (STEP), a global applied research initiative examining entrepreneurial family businesses.
The AACSB recognised the innovative programmes offered to students, such as the MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, how the Centre engages with alumni, and its impact on local SMEs via its innovative Growth Advantage programme (GAP), as well as the fact Strathclyde was awarded the Small Business Charter for world-leading support for scaling Scottish firms through innovation, internationalisation and leadership.
Professor Eleanor Shaw, head of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship said, "This is wonderful news - everyone is delighted to be selected for the Entrepreneurship Spotlight Challenge which recognises the innovative ways in which we encourage entrepreneurship at all levels, encouraging students to turn useful learning into entrepreneurial actions and mindsets, and engaging with business to add value and develop strategies for growth."
To view the selected nominations, and to learn more about the review panel, visit www.aacsb.edu/esc