ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: EDUCATION CENTRES OR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING? A REVIEW

Abstract

Entrepreneurial skills are increasingly recognised as essential capabilities for success in a rapidly changing global and digital economy. Through demonstrated links to innovation, job creation, business growth, and local economic development. This article reviews whether education centres or experiential learning approaches are more effective vehicles for developing entrepreneurial skills. Drawing on a synthesis of evidence reported in prior empirical and review studies, the analysis conceptualises entrepreneurial skills as multidimensional clusters encompassing creativity and innovation, opportunity recognition, initiative and execution, problem-solving and decision-making. The reviewed literature indicates that entrepreneurship education in universities and training programmes strengthens human capital by enhancing self-efficacy, creativity, risk-taking, innovativeness, and specific competencies Across studies, experiential and active learning (“learning by doing”) including internships, project-based and digital business projects, business simulations, real-world challenges, industrial and cross-border visits, community engagement, service learning, mentorship, and cultural immersion consistently reinforces theoretical knowledge through authentic application and is frequently reported to outperform purely traditional methods in developing competencies and entrepreneurial intentions. Malaysia provides a salient context where national policy positions entrepreneurship as a lever for economic transformation; university initiatives such as co-curricular programmes, and experiential projects and targeted interventions are associated with strengthened competencies. In contrast, rural digital entrepreneurship remains constrained by limited digital literacy and access to resources. Key implications emphasise integrating curricula with structured experiential components, improving TVET through industry collaboration and flexible workplace learning, pairing government support with digital skills development, addressing policies, and coordinating institutional ecosystems to reduce fragmentation and bureaucracy. Thereby advancing inclusive, innovation-driven growth and reducing unemployment.