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LEARNING UNIT 3

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Entrepreneurship

At the end of this learning unit, the participants will be able to:

  • Identify and analyse cultural and natural heritage sites, understanding their significance and potential for community and economic development.
  • Develop a basic business plan for a heritage-based entrepreneurial venture.
  • Demonstrate enhanced community engagement and a sense of belonging by collaborating with peers and local stakeholders to create and present viable heritage-based business ideas

Unit Overview

This learning unit aims to teach entrepreneurship by utilizing cultural and natural heritage.

In the first lesson, students explore heritage’s significance and its potential for entrepreneurial ventures through discussions and mapping local heritage sites.

The second lesson guides students in developing a business plan for a heritage-based venture, including group work and presentations.

The unit fosters community engagement, a sense of pride and belonging, and practical business skills, linking heritage with economic and social benefits for local and European contexts.

Methodology

The “Entrepreneurship” learning unit employs a multifaceted pedagogical methodology that emphasizes experiential learning, project-based activities, and community engagement to effectively teach entrepreneurship through the lens of cultural and natural heritage.

Experiential Learning is central to this unit. Students begin by exploring their local area to identify significant heritage sites. This hands-on activity not only sparks their curiosity but also lays the foundation for deeper engagement with the subject matter. Field trips to these sites and interactions with local entrepreneurs and heritage professionals provide students with first-hand insights into how heritage can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurial ventures.

The Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach is integral to fostering collaboration and practical application of knowledge. Students work in small groups to select a heritage site, brainstorm entrepreneurial ideas, and develop a comprehensive business plan. This collaborative environment promotes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. By focusing on real-world challenges and opportunities, students can see the immediate relevance and impact of their learning.

Community Engagement enhances the learning experience by connecting students with local stakeholders. Involving community members such as business owners and heritage experts enriches the educational process and fosters a sense of community and belonging. When students present their business plans, they receive feedback from their peers and community members, encouraging a culture of constructive criticism and continuous improvement.

Technology is utilized to enhance learning and engagement. Students use digital tools for research and presentations, making use of interactive maps, videos, and digital storytelling to bring their ideas to life. This not only makes the learning process more dynamic but also equips students with essential digital literacy skills.

By the end of the unit, students will have developed viable heritage-based business plans, demonstrating their ability to apply entrepreneurial concepts in a meaningful and community-focused context. This approach not only prepares students for future entrepreneurial endeavours but also promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging to a diverse and united European heritage.

Lessons

Lesson 1

Understanding heritage and its entrepreneurial potential
  1. Theoretical content (45 minutes)
  2. Best Practice (15 minutes)
  3. Interactive Activity: Mapping Local Heritage (30 minutes)
  4. Discussion and Reflection (30 minutes)

Lesson 2

Developing a Heritage-Based Business Plan
  1. Theoretical content (30 minutes)
  2. Best Practice (15 minutes)
  3. Interactive Activity: Business Plan Development (30 minutes)
  4. Presentations and feedback (45 minutes)

Download & Resources

References

Cultural Heritage and Entrepreneurship

How to Preserve and Promote Your Cultural Legacy (Last updated 24.04.2024). Faster Capital

https://fastercapital.com.

Linking place brands and regional innovation: sustainable business strategies leveraging heritage. Regional Studies. 10.1080/00343404.2023.2187046.

Mitigating risks and leveraging heritage assets (Last updated: 15.02.2024). WEF.

https://www.weforum.org

Cultural Heritage Entrepreneurship (CHE) – Challenges and Difficulties. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences. 188. 10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.03.333.

Additional Resources

Fillis, I., Lehman, K., & Miles, M. P. (2017)

The museum of old and new art: Leveraging entrepreneurial marketing to create a unique arts and vacation venture. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 23(1), 85-96.

https://doi.org/

Denzer, D. (2020). Heritage Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice

Evidence from UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Inaugural Dissertation for obtaining the academic degree of Doctor rerum oeconomicarum, University of Wuppertal.

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