Entrepreneurialism and University Training A Field Study on the Role of University Business Incubators in Algeria

Abstract

This field study examined the current state of entrepreneurship training within Algerian universities, with a specific focus on the impact of specialized training provided by university business incubators in fostering a new generation of student entrepreneurs. The study centered on students who defended their graduation projects under Ministerial Decree No. 1275—an initiative introduced during the 2022/2023 academic year that allows graduates to obtain a diploma marked as a "Startup" or "Patent" instead of following the traditional academic format. A chain sampling method was used to select a sample of 49 students with innovative project ideas. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with university incubator managers. The findings revealed a strong relationship between university training and the development of entrepreneurship among students in terms of knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial attitudes. However, the study also highlighted a lack of effectiveness and actual implementation, which can be attributed to the recent introduction of entrepreneurship education and training in Algeria. The study concludes by emphasizing the need to develop innovative training methods in higher education and scientific research to address this gap, along with practical recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of university business incubators.