The importance of participation of successful entrepreneurs in Entrepreneurial education

The curricula at higher education institutions are constantly being improved, and not only through implementation of the latest professional knowledge and skills, but also through introduction of entrepreneurship education. Thus, more and more study programmes within ICT areas are linked to entrepreneurship education. In this way students can be prepared to work more efficiently in a dynamic environment and be encouraged to develop and implement innovations whose success is related to an optimal combination of not only professional and technical knowledge, but also of the economic aspect, since for each business model the application of advanced technical solutions is equally important, as well as the possibility of achieving economic benefits. Entrepreneurship education can offer individuals the development of not only entrepreneurial competences, but also the ability to recognize market opportunities in a timely manner. These entrepreneurial ideas can in that case be transformed into a successful entrepreneurial undertaking which contributes not only to the economic but also to the social value of the community in which an entrepreneur operates. The results of the research presented in this paper show not only the existence of interest in entrepreneurship education among students preparing for occupations within ICT areas, but also that the students’ interest grows when successful entrepreneurs from their field of interest actively participate in the teaching process. With their knowledge and experience, such entrepreneurs can motivate and encourage students for a completely new way of thinking when it comes to addressing various challenges they can expect, and without repeating rookie mistakes. Students' interest in entrepreneurship education is also affected by their earlier experience gained through previous participation in particular entrepreneurial courses, because they are aware that such knowledge needs to be constantly renewed and improved. Although the students' current career plans after completing their studies are not necessarily related to contemplating various forms of entrepreneurship, this does not diminish their interest in participating in entrepreneurship education.