Getting young people excited about entrepreneurship and start-ups was the goal of this year's Summer School "Fostering Entrepreneurship" from 8 to 14 July at the German-Jordanian University (GJA) in Amman.

The summer school took place on the topic of entrepreneurship with HTWD teachers and students from the university in Jordan. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business world, entrepreneurship plays an increasingly important role in higher education. It not only fosters innovation, creativity and skills necessary to solve current problems, but also prepares students to compete in highly dynamic labour markets. The aim was to strengthen the participants' entrepreneurial skills and motivation to start a business, as well as to promote a critical examination of their own ideas.

Further education of students from different disciplines.

The idea behind this is that, depending on location-specific requirements, an individual summer school programme helps to promote and strengthen the skills and knowledge of interested students in the field of entrepreneurship. The offer is aimed at all degree programmes. Thus, many different disciplines met for exchange and networking. Students from fields of study such as: Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Architecture, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics and Accounting, Languages.

Practical experience and close cooperation

In addition to keynote speeches, panel discussions and cultural exchange, the practical application of the knowledge imparted was implemented in a digital business simulation and the development of their own business ideas with the students. Building on what they had learned, the students developed their own business ideas and plans and pitched them to the panel. The highlight of the summer school, however, was a business simulation that both fostered students' problem-solving skills and gave them a better understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face in starting and growing their businesses. In this simulation, three teams of students competed against each other to find solutions to real problems in their businesses and develop strategies for success. "The participants found this innovative and exciting approach both entertaining and eye-opening, as they were able to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial mindset," Professor Thamm sums up the workshop.

With close guidance from the coaches, the exercises served to acquire practical skills, make mistakes and reflect on one's own actions. The intensive cooperation provided insights into the German higher education system and highlighted the opportunities for international young researchers in Germany. Finally, everyone discussed the entrepreneurial environment in Jordan. This resulted in interesting insights into the legal framework for entrepreneurs, local incubators to support start-ups and business financing.

Funded by the DAAD

The Summer School was funded by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and took place from 8 to 14 July 2023 on the beautiful campus of the German-Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman. The Summer School was organised by the Faculty of Business and Economics.