VIVES University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that thrives on innovation and collaboration. The University is committed to expand their international entrepreneurial collaborations through initiatives like EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+, aiming to broaden our students' global entrepreneurial perspectives and prepare them for a more interconnected world. Central to the VIVES strategy is the enhancement of VIVES Onderneemt's role in interdisciplinary programs such as the Honours Degree, International Startup School, and 'Z-ondernemen.' By connecting these programs with external entrepreneurs and successful businesses, VIVES Onderneemt inspires new initiatives and actively fosters an entrepreneurial spirit within our university.Next to that, VIVES Onderneemt offers one-on-one coaching to student-entrepreneurs and organises entrepreneurial events. The VIVES communication efforts will also see significant improvements, focusing on a stronger connection between the general communication channels of VIVES and VIVES Onderneemt. Highlighting the stories of entrepreneurial students on social media will be a key aspect of this strategy, increasing visibility and empowerment. VIVES Onderneemt is also committed to providing robust support for student entrepreneurs through close collaboration with internal services like STUVO and the study and trajectory guidance team. This support includes facilitating special accommodations for student entrepreneurs and advising on integrating entrepreneurial activities into academic requirements. For instance, students can be given permission to do internships within their own companies or develop business plans as part of their bachelor theses. Ultimately, VIVES University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, driving innovation, and making a lasting impact within and beyond our academic community. We strive to create an environment where students are motivated to excel in both their studies and entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic future for all.
Finalist
Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award
VIVES University of Applied Sciences
Finalist of the Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award
VIVES University of applied sciences - Belgium
"VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Where education and research meets Entrepreneurship"
Engage on social media
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vives-onderneemt(Through the VIVES Onderneemt LinkedIn page, we connect digitally with the working field, entrepreneurs, startups, and partners. We encourage entrepreneurial students to create a personal LinkedIn page during their studies.)
https://www.instagram.com/vives_onderneemt/(Our entrepreneurial students are most active on Instagram, while lecturers prefer Facebook. Next academic year, our social media strategy will be re-evaluated with the help of our new colleague, Julie Misplon, joining VIVES Onderneemt. )
https://www.facebook.com/VivesOnderneemt(Our entrepreneurial students are most active on Instagram, while lecturers prefer Facebook. Next academic year, our social media strategy will be re-evaluated with the help of our new colleague, Julie Misplon, joining VIVES Onderneemt. )
(We create videos: 1) Student entrepreneurs share their stories to inspire others, some in English. 2) Entrepreneurial events. 3) Teaching materials like the BMC video. All videos are made by students or lecturers. New recordings in late August.)
https://www.linkedin.com/school/vives/(This is the LinkedIn page of VIVES University of Applied Sciences. The university itself also regularly highlights entrepreneurial activities, entrepreneurial students and student-entrepreneurs. )
https://www.instagram.com/viveshogeschool/(This is the INstagram page of VIVES University of Applied Sciences. The university itself also regularly highlights entrepreneurial activities, entrepreneurial students and student-entrepreneurs.)
https://www.facebook.com/viveshogeschool(This is the Facebook page of VIVES University of Applied Sciences. The university itself also regularly highlights entrepreneurial activities, entrepreneurial students and student-entrepreneurs.)
(This is the Youtube channel of VIVES University of Applied Sciences. The university itself also regularly highlights entrepreneurial activities, entrepreneurial students and student-entrepreneurs.)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vives-research/(This is the LinkedIn page of the research department at VIVES. VIVES supports and stimulates innovation, intra- and entrepreneurship among its researchers. )
https://www.instagram.com/vives_onderzoek/(This is the Instagram page of the research department at VIVES. VIVES supports and stimulates innovation, intra- and entrepreneurship among its researchers.)
https://www.facebook.com/vivesonderzoek(This is the Facebook page of the research department at VIVES. VIVES supports and stimulates innovation, intra- and entrepreneurship among its researchers.)
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Summary
Key People
Evy Declercq
Coördinator VIVES Onderneemt
VIVES University of applied sciences
Natalie Voet
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Wim Vandenbogaerde
Business coach
VIVES Onderneemt,
VIVES University of applied sciences
Karolien Plancke
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Ellen Vandevyvere
Business coach
VIVES University of applied sciences
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire VIVES community, whose unwavering support and dedication make our work possible. A special thank you goes to our coaches Natalie, Wim, Karolien, Ellen, Julie and Evy as Coördinator. An even bigger thanks goes to our students, whose passion and drive inspire us every day. Without their enthusiasm and commitment, our efforts would not achieve the same impact.
We would like to acknowledge Matthias Malfrère, our current Director of VIVES Research, who coördinated VIVES Onderneemt until December 2023 and continues to be our greatest supporter in his new role. We also deeply value the belief and support of Isabel Vanslembroek, the former Director of Research, whose contributions were invaluable in shaping our initiatives.
We are profoundly grateful for the financial support from VLAIO (the Flemish government), which has been instrumental in our participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Turbo and Start@K. This support has enabled us to foster a thriving environment for young entrepreneurs.
Our sincere appreciation also extends to our external partners, including Unizo, VOKA, the cities of Bruges and Kortrijk, whose collaboration and resources are vital to our success. Their involvement enriches our programs and expands our reach.
Finally, we acknowledge our international partners, whose global perspectives and expertise enhance our initiatives and broaden our students' horizons. Together, with these valuable contributions, we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Images
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IMPACT STORY
Impacting lifes
At VIVES University of Applied Sciences, we have embedded entrepreneurship into the fabric of our institution, driven by a dynamic and dedicated team, VIVES Onderneemt. Over the past eight years, we've witnessed a remarkable transformation, integrating the EntreComp framework to enhance our entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through hands-on learning and real-world application, we've fostered an entrepreneurial spirit that resonates across all disciplines. Initiatives like the International Startup School, 'Z-ondernemen,' and the Honours Degree program have been pivotal in this journey. Our commitment to societal and environmental challenges is evident in our numerous hackathons, driving innovation with purpose.
The impact of VIVES Onderneemt in the University is measurable and profound. They've engaged approximately 1,300 students in extracurricular entrepreneurial events, resulting in a 100% increase in official student entrepreneurs and a 150% rise in certificates issued in the past two years. The entrepreneurial mindset is now cultivated early, with many students launching businesses in their first year.
Beyond individual achievements, VIVES fosters a vibrant community of entrepreneurs within and outside the university. Our collaborations incorporate local and international ecosystems, connecting students with real startups and global networks. Our research and valorization department is undergoing an entrepreneurial transformation, focusing on impactful research in co-creation with the industry, with numerous research groups supporting SMEs in digital transformations, or HR, Food-, and Health tech.
At VIVES, entrepreneurship is more than a concept; it’s a driving force shaping our academic and societal contributions.
LEARNINGS
Lessons learned
Our entrepreneurial journey at VIVES University of Applied Sciences has taught us crucial lessons in leadership and innovation. Central to our success is the power of collaboration beyond our University, embracing local and international partnerships that extend our impact. Through programs like EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+, we've learned that a supportive, inclusive ecosystem is essential for nurturing entrepreneurial talent across diverse disciplines.
We champion the belief that every student, regardless of their major, can be entrepreneurial. Our initiatives, such as 'Z-ondernemen,' underscore this inclusive approach, demonstrating that entrepreneurial skills are vital across all fields. Engaging students early and providing continuous support through mentorship and coaching are key strategies we've adopted, ensuring sustained entrepreneurial growth.
Leadership in entrepreneurship education requires adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of students and the market. Our initiatives have evolved, reflecting the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship. We have organized numerous hackathons addressing societal and environmental challenges, fostering innovation with a purpose.
Our advice to fellow leaders is to build robust networks and partnerships beyond institutional boundaries. Collaborate with local business communities, international organizations, and other educational institutions to create a comprehensive support system for young entrepreneurs. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback from students and stakeholders shapes the development of programs and initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
FUTURE PLANS
What's coming?
Looking ahead, VIVES University of Applied Sciences is committed to deepening and expanding our entrepreneurial ecosystem. A significant focus will be enhancing our international collaborations through projects like EIT Intrepid-HEI and Erasmus+ initiatives. By broadening our students' global perspectives and opportunities, we aim to prepare them for a more interconnected world.
We also plan to strengthen the role of VIVES Onderneemt in interdisciplinary programs such as the Honours Degree, International Startup School, and 'Z-ondernemen.' By bridging these programs with external entrepreneurs and successful businesses, VIVES Onderneemt inspires and actively contributes to the entrepreneurial spirit within VIVES University.
Enhancing our communication efforts is a priority. We are working on a stronger connection between the general communication channels of VIVES and VIVES Onderneemt. Increased attention to entrepreneurial students and their stories on social media will be a key aspect of this strategy.
Within the VIVES Onderneemt internal services, they are committed to providing stronger support for student entrepreneurs. There is close contact with services like STUVO (student services such as psychological help) and the study and trajectory guidance team, with whom student entrepreneurs often interact when requesting special facilities. Thanks to the VIVES student-entrepreneur certificate, VIVES Onderneemt can play an advisory role in coordinating with the education programs to grant these facilities to specific student-entrepreneurs.This helps keep students motivated for their studies and ensures they can still keep it combinable with their own businesses. Finally, VIVES ONdenreemt also supports programmes that want student-entrepreneurs to "do internships in their own company" or "make a business plan for their company as an undergraduate thesis" with advice and onde support.
Ultimately, VIVES is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, driving innovation, and creating a lasting impact within and beyond our university community.
