Introduction to Entrepreneurship

The learning process follows the logic of the entrepreneurial process, the main stages of which are business opportunity recognition, generating ideas or solutions, business opportunity development, which are viewed at the individual (entrepreneurial characteristics, motivation, skills), group (business ideas, team member contribution) and society (economic policy, environment, technology) levels. The topics covered are the following: basic concepts and processes of entrepreneurship, trends of development, entrepreneurial culture and different forms of entrepreneurship. Principles of ethical behavior as a potential entrepreneur or an entrepreneurial employee (internal entrepreneurship). Case studies and socio-dramas of entrepreneurial culture. Personal qualities necessary for an entrepreneur or an entrepreneurial employee. Tests and self-reflections to understand the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial employee. Various creativity-developing methods for generating, developing and evaluating innovative business ideas. Introduction to marketing. Business model planning as a team effort, taking into account the product/service's value proposition to the customer, demand, competition, resources, sales opportunities and other factors affecting the operation. The teaching uses artificial intelligence capabilities according to the course rules. The course applies project-, problem- (PBL) or challenge (CBL) based methodology in interdisciplinary groups, based on students preparation and interests.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2026/2027 which starts on 31st of August and ends on 24th of January (you can find that information under start date section). TalTech's timetables for autumn semester 2026 will be published at the end of June via tunniplaan.taltech.ee.

After the course the student:

• knows key concepts and processes of entrepreneurship, developmental trends, entrepreneurial culture, forms of entrepreneurship, demonstrating an understanding of economic fundamentals and the role of entrepreneurship in the economy;
• evaluates personal characteristics and competences necessary for entrepreneurs, assessing own suitability and development needs to act as an entrepreneur and member of team;
• applies methods for generating, developing, and evaluating business ideas;
• analyzes the impact of the business environment and trends on the planned solution, applying principles of business ethics and sustainability;
• works out the business model that considers the value proposition of the product/service to the customer, suitable marketing mix, competition, required resources, partners, and the company’s revenues and costs;
• presents the solution worked out within the team, using visual communication and digital tools.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

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• Neck, H.; Neck, Ch.P.; Murray, E.L. Entrepreneurship. The practice and mindset. 14th.ed. 2020.

lectures, exercises