From Conflict to Capacity: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Graduate Education to Build Human Security in Higher Education
Institutional Affiliation
Nova Southeastern University
Start Date
January 2026
End Date
January 2026
Proposal Type
Presentation
Proposal Format
Virtual
Proposal Description
Organizational conflict within higher education institutions often arises not only from structural barriers or resource constraints but also from a lack of adaptive problem-solving and collaborative thinking among students and future professionals. As universities face increasing tensions—from generational divides to institutional rigidity—there is an urgent need to rethink how we prepare graduate students for leadership and innovation in complex systems.
This paper presents an interdisciplinary framework for integrating entrepreneurial mindset development into graduate curricula as a proactive strategy for enhancing human security in higher education environments. An entrepreneurial mindset—characterized by a growth orientation, agile thinking, and resilience in the face of failure—equips students with the tools necessary to navigate organizational tensions creatively, ethically, and with a focus on sustainable impact.
Drawing on practices from conflict resolution, business innovation, and education, this model empowers students to view conflict as an opportunity for change, reframe challenges as design problems, and act purposefully in uncertain environments. Emotional intelligence and collaboration are highlighted as essential skills that enhance team-based innovation and responsible risk-taking.
Examples from instructional settings, student feedback, and workshop-based programming demonstrate the transformative effects of entrepreneurial mindset coaching on student engagement, problem-solving abilities, and leadership development. By fostering agency, adaptability, and community-oriented innovation, this approach not only helps students reduce conflict but also assists in building healthier, more secure institutions and societies.
This presentation contributes to peace education and conflict resolution by proposing that the entrepreneurial mindset is not just a business tool, but a peacebuilding practice that is essential for human security in today’s interconnected world.
From Conflict to Capacity: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Graduate Education to Build Human Security in Higher Education
Organizational conflict within higher education institutions often arises not only from structural barriers or resource constraints but also from a lack of adaptive problem-solving and collaborative thinking among students and future professionals. As universities face increasing tensions—from generational divides to institutional rigidity—there is an urgent need to rethink how we prepare graduate students for leadership and innovation in complex systems.
This paper presents an interdisciplinary framework for integrating entrepreneurial mindset development into graduate curricula as a proactive strategy for enhancing human security in higher education environments. An entrepreneurial mindset—characterized by a growth orientation, agile thinking, and resilience in the face of failure—equips students with the tools necessary to navigate organizational tensions creatively, ethically, and with a focus on sustainable impact.
Drawing on practices from conflict resolution, business innovation, and education, this model empowers students to view conflict as an opportunity for change, reframe challenges as design problems, and act purposefully in uncertain environments. Emotional intelligence and collaboration are highlighted as essential skills that enhance team-based innovation and responsible risk-taking.
Examples from instructional settings, student feedback, and workshop-based programming demonstrate the transformative effects of entrepreneurial mindset coaching on student engagement, problem-solving abilities, and leadership development. By fostering agency, adaptability, and community-oriented innovation, this approach not only helps students reduce conflict but also assists in building healthier, more secure institutions and societies.
This presentation contributes to peace education and conflict resolution by proposing that the entrepreneurial mindset is not just a business tool, but a peacebuilding practice that is essential for human security in today’s interconnected world.