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CASE STUDY | ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences – Advancing Experiential Entrepreneurship Education in Dornbirn, Austria

About Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, located in Dornbirn, Austria, is a premier institution known for its hands-on, practice-oriented approach to education.

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, FHV offers a distinctive environment for academic and professional growth, with programs that emphasize practical application, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.

The university collaborates closely with industry partners and regional organizations to provide students with real-world experience across fields like business, engineering, design, and social work.

FHV’s commitment to experiential learning equips graduates with the skills and adaptability needed to excel in today’s dynamic global landscape.

The Challenge

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the need for adaptable, resilient entrepreneurs is more critical than ever.

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences sought to enhance its entrepreneurship program by giving students a practical and immersive learning experience that mirrors the unpredictable and challenging nature of real-world business.

The goal was to increase students’ readiness for the entrepreneurial path by fostering a mindset that embraces change, innovation, and the unknown.

The Solution

To meet this objective, Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences partnered with experiential learning expert Enrico Maset to lead the redesigned Entrepreneurship & Innovation Simulation course.

In his first year independently running the class, Enrico leveraged his experience supporting educators Rick Rasmussen and Christian Rangen to develop an intensive, simulation-based course.

 

    Key features of the course included:

     

    1. 3-Day Intensive Format: Conducted over Friday, Saturday, and Monday, this format created a high-pressure environment similar to a startup’s early stages, promoting rapid ideation and agile thinking.
    2. Hands-On Simulations: The course employed cutting-edge simulation tools to create realistic entrepreneurial scenarios, allowing students to practice decision-making in a risk-free setting.
    3. Unique Alpine Setting: The surrounding mountains served as a metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey, with the misty Alpine trails representing the uncertainty and resilience needed to navigate business ventures.

      Course Highlights

      The course was designed as an immersive journey through entrepreneurship, with each day covering essential aspects:

      1. Entrepreneurial Ecosystems – Students explored global market trends, learning how to position themselves within dynamic business landscapes.
      2. Navigating Uncertainty – Drawing parallels between the foggy Alpine trails and business ambiguity, students learned the importance of adaptability and resilience.
      3. Celebrating Diversity – The diverse student group encouraged a range of perspectives, spurring creativity and innovative problem-solving.
      4. Embracing Constant Change – The course reinforced the notion that flexibility is crucial for entrepreneurship, with students frequently pivoting ideas in response to simulated challenges.
      5. Environmental Inspiration – The Alpine surroundings emphasized the value of grit, perseverance, and adaptability as essential entrepreneurial skills.

        Impact

        • Adaptability in Action: Students grew more comfortable with uncertainty, mirroring the experience of navigating through unpredictable terrain.
        • Innovation Flourished: The course stimulated innovative ideas, with students deriving inspiration from both the simulations and their unique environment.
        • Skillful Pivots: By the course’s end, students demonstrated stronger abilities to pivot their business models in response to market changes.
        • Hands-On Skill Development: Students gained practical experience with entrepreneurial tools and methodologies, better preparing them for future business ventures.
        • Real-World Impact: Several teams expressed interest in pursuing their simulated ideas beyond the classroom, highlighting the real-world relevance of the course.

          Reflections

          The unique Alpine setting proved to be more than just a backdrop. It served as a constant metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey, providing both literal and figurative perspectives on overcoming challenges and reaching new heights in business.   

          The intensive 3-day format, while challenging, created a pressure-cooker environment that mimicked the fast-paced world of start-ups. This approach fostered rapid ideation, quick decision-making, and agile strategy formulation among the students. 

           

          Partner Spotlight: Enrico Maset

          Enrico Maset is an experienced educator specializing in experiential learning for business education. He is passionate about using innovative teaching methodologies to enhance students’ and professionals’ strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Enrico frequently employs advanced simulations, such as Transform! and Scale Up! from Strategy Tools, providing immersive, risk-free environments for deep learning.

          Over the years, Enrico has contributed to institutions like Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Università di Pisa, and ESCP Business School (Berlin), where he has introduced simulation-based learning in areas such as strategy, corporate transformation, and clean tech entrepreneurship. His approach fosters engagement, reflection, and personal insight, making him a leader in hands-on business education.

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          Talk to Us

          For business schools and organizations looking to innovate in sustainability education, Strategy Tools offers a unique set of tools and expertise to facilitate cutting-edge experiential learning.

          Enrico Maset, one of Strategy Tools’ most active and experienced partners, has been delivering impactful programs and projects with clients and business schools for years. His work in the field of sustainability and entrepreneurship is a testament to the value of our approach.

          We are delighted to have Enrico as part of our team, helping institutions like Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences drive innovation in clean tech and sustainability entrepreneurship.

          For more information on how Strategy Tools can help you integrate similar teaching methods and tools into your programs, reach out to us or Enrico directly to explore how we can support your educational and business innovation goals.

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