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In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship education, business communication has emerged as a key component in preparing future entrepreneurs to operate effectively in competitive and globalized markets. This paper investigates the role of business communication in enhancing entrepreneurial education programs in Romania, with the aim of identifying how communication competencies contribute to entrepreneurial mindset development, opportunity recognition, and successful business practices.
The study addresses a critical question: how can business communication training be integrated into entrepreneurial education to better equip students with the interpersonal, strategic, and digital communication skills required in modern business environments? While entrepreneurship curricula in Romania have expanded over the past decade, the explicit inclusion of structured communication modules remains limited. This research thus fills a gap in understanding the practical relevance of communication in entrepreneurial learning contexts.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted to explore this relationship. Quantitative data were gathered from students enrolled in entrepreneurship-related. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their exposure to business communication courses, perceived usefulness, and self-evaluation of relevant skills. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with proffessors and entrepreneurship mentors, providing insight into curricular design and teaching practices.
Preliminary findings indicate a positive correlation between exposure to business communication content and students' confidence in pitching ideas, networking, and engaging stakeholders. Respondents who had completed at least one dedicated business communication course reported higher levels of preparedness for entrepreneurial challenges, particularly in areas such as negotiation, presentation skills, and digital outreach. Moreover, educators emphasized the need for interdisciplinary teaching approaches that connect entrepreneurial thinking with communication practice.
The study highlights several recommendations including the integration of experiential learning projects focused on real-world business communication scenarios, partnerships with industry for practical training, and the development of cross-disciplinary modules. By situating business communication as a core pillar of entrepreneurial education, universities can play a critical role in shaping agile, confident, and communicative entrepreneurs equipped for the demands of a dynamic economic landscape.
