Entrepreneurship is essential for the economy and society. It drives national development and provides a solution to many problems. More specifically, Entrepreneurship provides numerous intangible advantages, such as employment, innovation and social integration.

Despite the importance and benefits of Entrepreneurship, the fact is that most students graduating from university decide to look for a job rather than Entrepreneurship. Although we can explain this by risk aversion and the desire to look for financial stability, it is also true that students are simply educated to become employees and not entrepreneurs. Most universities focus on providing their students with theoretical knowledge rather than a practical one.

The lack of programs in the field of entrepreneurial education means that there is a need to develop a new educational model focused on providing students with the capabilities required to succeed as entrepreneurs, become job creators and contribute to economic growth.

An Entrepreneurial University is characterised, among other aspects, for including the terms “innovation.” and “Entrepreneurship” in their vision and mission statements, for long-term investment in those subjects, and for developing strategic business relationships and partnerships that promote collaboration with stakeholders from industry, society and the public sector.

Finally, an Entrepreneurial University is also an international university, which develops relationships and partnerships beyond national borders, contributing to the international mobility of students and staff.
Anglia Ruskin University is a clear example of an Entrepreneurial University, with several awards recognising the effort to become a driver of innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students.