Democratizing Entrepreneurial Education: A Responsible, Inclusive Approach to Empower Every Learner

The article explores the transformative potential of Democratising Entrepreneurial Education (EE) through a responsible, inclusive, and reflective framework that integrates both relevant knowledge and codified knowledge to address the needs of low literacy learners (LLL).Traditional EE models often assume a baseline of literacy and knowledge acquisition capacity, leaving many marginalised learners without access to meaningful, empowering entrepreneurial education (Block et al., 2023; Baggen et al., 2021). To address this gap, the paper proposes a comprehensive framework that combines codified knowledge (explicit, structured information) (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 2000; Davenport & Prusak, 1998) with relevant knowledge (context-specific, actionable insights) (Brown & Duguid, 2017; Siggelkow, 2007). The application of these forms of knowledge within reflective pedagogical approaches (Kolb, 2014; Argyris & Schön, 1996) has been shown to facilitate pathways for LLL to develop entrepreneurial competencies and participate meaningfully in lifelong learning processes. The integration of codified knowledge has been demonstrated to transform complex concepts into accessible formats, such as visual aids, simplified language and interactive experiences (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 2000; UNESCO, 2021). These interactive experiences are considered to be of particular importance for LLL. For instance, the principles of entrepreneurial finance can be imparted through story-based learning and visual tools, as opposed to the utilisation of voluminous, text-heavy materials (Leonard-Barton, 1992; Baggen et al., 2021). Concurrently, the integration of pertinent knowledge ensures that learning remains anchored in learners’ lived realities and immediate contexts, thereby facilitating the translation of theory into practice and nurturing agency in the application of entrepreneurial concepts to their own communities (Brown & Duguid, 2017; Drucker, 1985). The present study is founded on the Entrepreneurship as a Method framework (Neck & Greene, 2011; Sarasvathy & Venkataraman, 2011), and it integrates Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (Kolb, 2014) in order to offer practical strategies for educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders. By emphasising reflective practices, such as the Mia Culpa model (designed on Hägg et al., 2024), learners can internalise entrepreneurial principles through cycles of acknowledgement, reflection, and adaptation (Neck & Greene, 2011). This reflective process deepens their understanding of entrepreneurial opportunities and empowers them to make ethical, responsible decisions that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (UNESCO, 2021). The research under discussion uses case studies and collaborative design workshops with educators to highlight successful approaches to democratising knowledge dissemination in EE. For instance, the use of visual and gamified learning tools that codify entrepreneurial concepts has been shown to significantly increase comprehension and engagement among LLL (Block et al., 2023; Hägg et al., 2024). Concurrently, the integration of pertinent knowledge, contextualised to local socio-economic challenges, has been demonstrated to enhance learners’ capacity to co-create solutions and cultivate sustainable ventures (Davenport & Prusak, 1998; Siggelkow, 2007). The implications of this framework for entrepreneurship education are significant. Educators must rethink curricula to incorporate multimodal, codified resources while adapting them to relevant, real-world contexts (Baggen et al., 2021; Mashhood, 2018). Policymakers should prioritise inclusive pedagogical strategies that align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that no learner is excluded from the entrepreneurial process due to literacy barriers (Mashhood, 2018). This democratised approach to EE supports the development of resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems rooted in shared responsibility and continuous learning (Baggen et al., 2021; Mashhood, 2018). In conclusion, the paper calls for a paradigm shift in how entrepreneurial education is designed and delivered.By integrating codified and relevant knowledge within a responsible, inclusive, and reflective learning framework, educators and institutions can unlock the entrepreneurial potential of low literacy learners. This approach is seen as a critical step toward achieving educational equity and creating a more sustainable, inclusive future for all (UNESCO, 2021; Neck & Greene, 2011; Argyris & Schön, 1996).