Nurturing New Entrepreneurs through Project-Based Learning: Building Sustainable Business among Students

Abstract

The urgent importance of creating businesses that have social and environmental impact has been recognized by School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has established an entrepreneurship program with the goal of fostering businesses that can address contemporary social and environmental issues. This objective is achievable through project-based learning methods employed by the entrepreneurship program, particularly in courses like Sustainability Business. Research conducted through interviews with students currently running businesses and experts in student psychology and environmental studies revealed patterns in student initiatives. These patterns are influenced by students’ interest in social and environmental issues, their understanding of the prevailing conditions, and the growth stages of their businesses. Notably, students in the initiation phase focus on operational optimization, while those who have already launched their businesses tend to engage in organizational transformation. Students whose businesses have entered the growth phase initiate system-building efforts, ensuring inclusivity by involving all stakeholders. Based on these patterns, appropriate methods can be developed to nurture student businesses across all stages. The aim is to create more businesses that significantly impact social and environmental issues.

Keywords: Operational Optimization, Organization Transformation, Social and Environmental Initiatives, System Building