New Venture Creation in the Amsterdam Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

OVERVIEW
The creation of new ventures is one of the most important economic activities of the modern era. Venture creation isn’t a process exclusive to startups, though. Many other entities in the world of business engage in similar activities, which could be anything from company expansions to take-overs and scale-ups. The city of Amsterdam is one of the best places to learn more about new venture creation.

LEVEL
Advanced Bachelor

COURSE CONTENT

Amsterdam is one of the top innovation hubs in Europe and, under the umbrella of the Amsterdam entrepreneurial ecosystem, hosts a broad palette of entrepreneurs, firms, and entrepreneurial organizations. The Center for Entrepreneurship of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (CfE@VU) plays a significant role in the city’s exciting entrepreneurial ecosystem. That’s why this international summer school provides the perfect opportunity to deepen your knowledge of entrepreneurship and what it means to create exciting new business projects and ideas.

The course covers the creation of ventures from two perspectives.

The first is concerned with making entrepreneurship sustainable, including all economic, social, and ecological aspects of new ventures. 

The second looks at the role of an entrepreneur within a firm and the life cycle of firms, as well as how they deal with changes.

As a student, you will also be responsible for generating your own business ideas, which will form an essential part of the course. The lecturers will guide this part of the course. 

In the morning, through online lectures, students will discuss topics such as the Business Model Canvas for startups and scale-ups, as well as the Amsterdam entrepreneurial ecosystem. Then, in the afternoons, there will be practical assignments that students can complete with outside experts’ assistance. 

The course will end with online elevator-style pitches in which the students will present their work as a team in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• You are familiar with the latest recent theories in new venture creation and entrepreneurship.
• You are able to start your own enterprise in any national or regional context.

EXCURSION
At least one visit to an institution or organization that plays a pivotal role in entrepreneurship in Amsterdam.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, workshops, fieldwork

ASSESSMENT METHODS
Individual assignment, duo assignment and team assignment

TARGET AUDIENCE
Students of any discipline – not just Business Studies – who are interested in new venture creation and entrepreneurship. The aim is to form a very diverse international group.