The main objective of this course is to provide (1) an understanding of the basic concepts and practice of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking, (2) understanding of the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation to new demands of various segments of the economy, (3) understanding of the process of converting business ideas into entrepreneurial ventures. The goal of this course is to provide all students with an understanding of the creation of an entrepreneurial environment in enterprises regardless of their structure, size and economic activity and to enable them to understand the prerequisites of starting their own business.

Students who finish the course and pass the examination in this subject, will gain the following competencies to (1) understand the basic concepts of entrepreneurship, recognize entrepreneurial traits and develop entrepreneurship in their attitude and behaviour towards the business environment; (2) analyze and apply basic elements independently of the process of design, implementation and control of the business idea; (3) develop and adopt the key principles of the entrepreneurial process, and understand the specific problems of starting their own business and if necessary overcome them. They will be familiar with the basic influence of business and other relevant institutions on the development of entrepreneurship.

The introductory part (role and importance of entrepreneurship for economic and enterprise development, entrepreneurship development up to nowadays). Basic concepts of entrepreneurship, principles and rules of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship for the 21st century, new jobs and business skills of engineers and managers, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in new conditions. Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship (concept and definition of entrepreneurs, characteristics, skills and abilities, and examples of successful and poor entrepreneurs). Engineer, manager, entrepreneur (similarities and differences, necessary skills, integration of skills and knowledge). Importance of the idea of entrepreneurial process (what is the business idea, the internal and external sources of business ideas, techniques, ideas creation, business ideas protection). The process of transforming ideas into business. Necessary research conditions in the external and internal environment (clients, suppliers, markets, competition, resources, etc..). Implementation and control of the implementation process of business idea. Standard problems of starting business and ways of overcoming problems (organization, financing, research market conditions, teamwork, legal aspects). Directions of change (internal and external influences on corporate performance) criteria for the development of entrepreneurial ventures. Impact of the external environment (specific environments, institutions, legal and regulatory framework, funding). The importance and challenges of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial types (corporate, internal, family), and new business models that encourage entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Teaching activity comprises lectures, exercises, consultations, consideration of specific problems in the field of entrepreneurship. Lectures partly delivered by the owners of successful small and medium-sized enterprises and representatives of the clusters and institutions important to encourage entrepreneurship. Presentation of seminar papers. Practical classes - exercises on practical examples, case studies and problem solving.