CONTENT AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR DEVELOPING STARTUP PROJECT DESIGN COMPETENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION BASED ON THE “FROM IDEA TO PROJECT” PRINCIPLE

Abstract

This article examines the content and methodological foundations for developing students’ startup project design competence in higher education institutions. The study analyzes the issue of guiding students toward the development of practical projects based on the “from idea to project” principle. The article explains the formation of startup project design competence through a two-stage pedagogical model. At the first stage, it is proposed to integrate topics related to the development of practical projects and independent learning assignments into the content of selected specialty courses. Through this approach, students master the concept of a project, its stages, practical significance, and future prospects. At the second stage, the necessity of developing students’ skills for systematic work on startup projects through the teaching of the course “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship” is substantiated. Within the framework of this course, the article highlights opportunities for supporting students’ startup projects, involving them in spin-off enterprises, and developing elements of dual education. In the study, startup project design competence is interpreted in relation to innovative thinking, business model development, MVP creation, identification of funding sources, and pitching skills.

Keywords

higher education, startup, startup project design competence, “from idea to project” principle, fundamentals of entrepreneurship, practical project, specialty courses, business model, MVP, spin-off enterprise, dual education, graduate employment.