DO UNIVERSITIES DEVELOP ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS? A MAPPING OF TEACHING PRACTICES IN A BRAZILIAN UNIVERSITY

This research aims to analyze the education and research practices that stimulate the generation of entrepreneurial competencies in the students at a Brazilian university. A qualitative exploratory methodology was adopted, with 65 participants, of which 11 are directors, 25 course coordinators, and 29 professors. The data was collected through thorough interviews and focus groups, both based on semi-structured scripts. The collected data underwent content analysis with the use of QSR NVivo8 software. The research shows that the stimuli for teaching entrepreneurship are consolidated through research and education practices that take into account the specificity of the knowledge in each area. The technical competencies contribute to the development of skills and know-how. It was found that aspects related to emotions deserve more institutional attention in order to provide the student with a connection between his academic education and world. There is a necessity to develop a culture of entrepreneurship in the general context of the institution, one capable of stimulating entrepreneurial competencies. Moreover, it is necessary to encourage practices that develop the students' critical sense and autonomy.