Transforming Education into Enterprise: A Comprehensive Review of Entrepreneurship Education in Bangladesh
Purpose: Entrepreneurship education (EE) in Bangladesh is increasingly recognized as a crucial force for youth empowerment, innovation, and economic growth. The study highlights the need for context-specific, hands-on, and sustainable EE programs that close the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study reviews existing literature to assess the effects of EE on entrepreneurial intentions, competencies, and identity development among students. Findings: Findings indicate that while universities offer various EE programs, their effectiveness is often limited by theoretically focused curricula, insufficient practical exposure, faculty constraints, and socio-cultural barriers. Experiential learning, mentorship, interdisciplinary integration, and supportive institutional and policy frameworks emerge as critical enablers for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Initiatives like Innokids demonstrate the potential of early skill-based interventions in shaping entrepreneurial behavior. Practical implications: Enhanced collaboration among educational institutions, industry, and policymakers is essential to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies, promote employability, and contribute to Bangladesh’s broader economic and social development. Originality value: This study provides a context-specific review of entrepreneurship education in Bangladesh, highlighting practical gaps and emphasizing experiential learning and localized reforms to improve entrepreneurial skills, employability, and economic development.