Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Real company challenges raise the stakes for students-but without the right structure, they can undermine learning.Here's what educators and partners need to get right.Open innovation challenges are now common in entrepreneurship education.Students work on a real problem from a real organization, practice professional communication and teamwork, and test ideas against constraints that are hard to simulate in a traditional lecture-style classroom environment.Companies receive new perspectives and early concepts, while universities strengthen relationships with industry and increase the relevance of coursework.This student experience is often assumed to be positive given that the work feels more "real."My recent study shows a more complex picture.While realism certainly can increase motivation and learning, it can also increase stress, confusion, and frustration.The good news is that the difference often comes down to design and delivery details that educators and company partners can control.This article explains those findings and offers practical guidance for educators and partner organizations.
Author: Colin Donaldson
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7154691990