Abstract

Purpose
The article suggests that the international financial and economic crisis in 2008 produced a new economic era with significant implications for enterprise and entrepreneurship education. It explores: 1. The changing influences on entrepreneurship education and learning; 2. What is the new era in entrepreneurship? The consequences of changing economic, social and cultural movements; 3. How entrepreneurship education and learning can respond to these challenges.
Approach
The research approach is informed by practitioner-based educational enquiry, reflective practice and research, education and participation with groups of universities, educators, students, entrepreneurs and other groups during the economic crisis.

Findings
The article proposes that the nature of entrepreneurship is changing in response to social and cultural movements in the new economic era. Ethical and environmental concerns are creating a discourse of responsible entrepreneurship informed by social entrepreneurship. The article conceptualises this as the shift from an ‘old’ to ‘new’ entrepreneurship.

Practical implications
Implications for the future development of enterprise and entrepreneurial education are presented, referring to the factors shaping change including the social and economic context; learners; learning and teaching; and institutional change.

Originality/value
The article presents new thinking on the future challenges and directions for entrepreneurship and related education in the context of fundamental economic change.