Editorial: The UMA as Entrepreneurial University: Why? and How?
The Entrepreneurial University model is a topic of intense debate. Some see it as a cure-all, while others heavily criticize it. This model now has its own values, awards, and accreditation systems, as well as professional support services. It has even become an area of scientific research, with knowledge being published in reputable journals and books.
Is the Entrepreneurial University model truly unavoidable for 21st-century universities? Specifically, has UMA embraced this trend? What were the reasons behind UMA's choices, and what consequences might they have?
In her article, "The Entrepreneurial University: Historical Elements and Debates," published in Market and Organizations in 2019, Véronique Shaeffer argues that the entrepreneurial university model has accompanied significant changes in the status of science in society, the way knowledge is produced, and the growth of higher education. It has become a reference point since the 1980s. This more utilitarian approach to managing science, which fosters close ties between academia and the economy, has received criticism from the academic community despite being a defining characteristic of universities since their medieval origins.
At UMA, critical thinking, creativity, and conviviality are the core values. We recognize the fears and concerns of our community regarding the entrepreneurial model. We have thoroughly understood and addressed these concerns through discussions involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines. This has led to the development of our university's strategic orientation plan.
Our view of the entrepreneurial spirit at the university is not about commodifying knowledge, but rather about making a sustainable impact on society. We see it as a pathway towards our ambition to be a multidisciplinary, modern, and responsible public university that serves an open, democratic, and prosperous society. Therefore, we have chosen to align UMA with the entrepreneurial university model.
The definition of the entrepreneurial university that we identify with is a transformational and innovative university that is guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and is responsive to the local context and environment. It actively seeks to innovate in its operations. This definition is advocated by The National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE). Therefore, being selected as a pilot university for accreditation support and being the first African university to apply for the "Entrepreneurial University Award" in 2024 is a significant opportunity for UMA. It will have a profound impact on UMA's reputation and, more broadly, represent genuine recognition of the Tunisian university system's performance.
However, it is also a significant challenge that UMA is determined to address, together with its entire community. This close-knit community, guided by ethics and values of excellence and responsibility, contributes sustainably to Tunisia's scientific progress and intellectual, cultural, and economic development through human-centered education and research. This committed community is dedicated to educating citizens who can transform the world.
Pr. Jouhaina GHERIB
President
University of Manouba
