Cultivating Cornwall’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Nurturing Startups With Internships

Simmons, Marcus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6180-7105 and Neale, Vivienne (2024) Cultivating Cornwall’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Nurturing Startups With Internships. In: Cases on Start-ups and Enterprise. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK. ISBN TBC (Submitted)

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Abstract / Summary

The case study explores the approach taken by Falmouth University's Launchpad program and the Cornwall Business School through internships which helped to solve problems for early-stage startups and created work experience for students. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the local startup ecosystem.

The structured internship format allowed students to work on live client briefs, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Moreover, the program's success led to increased collaboration between Launchpad and Falmouth University, resulting in further internship opportunities and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Through reflective practice and experiential learning, students gained insights into their skills, capabilities, and career aspirations. The micro-internship experience proved transformative for both students and startups, highlighting the potential of such initiatives in enhancing employability and driving economic growth. The case study therefore demonstrates the importance of effective collaboration between universities, startups, and students to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in regions facing economic challenges.

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