Entrepreneurial mindset in higher education: the interplay of practices, pedagogies and emotional intelligence

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in economic growth and societal transformation, fostering innovation, generating employment, and addressing complex global challenges. In recent years, educational institutions have become crucial incubators of entrepreneurial talent, tasked with cultivating not only business knowledge but also the mindset required to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities. The main purpose of this study was to determine the entrepreneurial mindset of Higher Education: the interplay of practices, pedagogies and emotional intelligence of the participants for the school year 2024-2025. This study utilized a mixed - method explanatory sequential research design. The study utilized a researcher-made survey questionnaire and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide to gathered relevant data on the entrepreneurial mindset of participants and practices, pedagogies, and emotional intelligence in Higher Education. Data were collected from 328 student participants through a researcher-made questionnaire checklist administered via Google Form, and supported by qualitative insights from a focus group discussion (FGD) with 10 teachers. The statistical tools used in the data analysis were the frequency count, percentage mean, and Pearson’s r. The level of entrepreneurial mindset of the participants as a whole and in terms of creativity, tolerance for risk, responsiveness to opportunities, leadership, and responsibility to take advantage of rights was high. The level of entrepreneurial practices of higher education was high. The extent of entrepreneurial pedagogies in Higher Education was high. The level of emotional intelligence of teachers was high. There was a significant relationship among the entrepreneurial mindset of students, entrepreneurial practices employed by HEIs, pedagogies and emotional intelligence of teachers.