DJISSER

Recognizing this, both governments have begun investing in the establishment of entrepreneurial ecosystems within their universities. These ecosystems encompass a range of initiatives, from integrating entrepreneurship courses into degree programs to providing mentorship and support for emerging startups. However, the educational approaches prevalent in the MENA region, particularly in Iraqi and Jordanian universities, often rely on traditional, lecture-based instruction. This model tends to overlook the development of skills relevant to today’s labor market. Implementing alternative teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning and collaborative group work, could significantly enhance the cultivation of entrepreneurial competencies among students. Furthermore, while university environments have the potential to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, the existing support structures in both countries require professionalization to effectively foster business growth. By enhancing these entrepreneurial ecosystems, universities can create an environment conducive to the establishment of new startups, ultimately generating more employment opportunities for graduates. This is the core mission of the DJISSER project (“Developing Jordanian and Iraqi Support Systems in Entrepreneurship Resources”). The initiative aims to retain qualified graduates in Iraq and Jordan while bolstering their economies by developing university structures that promote labor market-oriented skills and entrepreneurial mindsets.

The project will unfold across four key phases, aligning entrepreneurship education with international standards and enhancing market relevance. The initial phase involves a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of university partners, paving the way for a targeted action plan. Phase two focuses on raising awareness through training events designed to impart essential knowledge about effective entrepreneurship teaching. This foundational step is crucial for fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture within Iraqi and Jordanian universities. Following this, the third phase emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship coaching for startup support. This includes collaboratively developing teaching modules tailored to the local contexts in Iraq and Jordan, alongside implementing “train the trainer” events to extend the program’s impact. Additionally, this phase will empower students through an entrepreneurship ambassador program, equipping them to promote entrepreneurial initiatives on their campuses. Given the challenging economic landscape, these ambassadors will leverage their training to inspire their peers and assist faculty in delivering engaging extracurricular offerings that enhance students’ entrepreneurial ambitions.
In the final phase, lessons learned and challenges encountered will be disseminated at national conferences. This holistic approach will culminate in a large-scale event in Jordan, consolidating the knowledge gained throughout the project into further training opportunities aimed at developing additional experts and expanding university capacities. Roundtable discussions will engage non-academic stakeholders, while students will be provided a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures. Toward the project’s conclusion, a similar event in Iraq will facilitate the sharing of best practices from Germany and Jordan, enhancing local expertise and fostering sustainable national and international collaborations in entrepreneurship, particularly in the Kurdistan region.