Dundalk IT leads national launch of master’s in responsible entrepreneurship

Dundalk Institute of Technology, in collaboration with university partners MTU, ATU, TUS and UCC have officially launched the new HEA-funded Master of Business (MBS) in Responsible Entrepreneurship, as part of DkIT’s REsPoNSE initiative – Responsible Entrepreneurship and the Promotion of Novel Approaches to Sustainable Enterprise.

The launch event marked the commencement of the year-long multi-institutional Masters programme for level 8 graduates of any discipline. Thirty-five students from across Ireland are registered to complete the hybrid programme, which has been designed to equip participants with skills to create or manage businesses responsibly, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students can specialise in either launching their own venture or taking on a responsibility-focused role within industry.

Speaking at the launch event, Erin McGreehan, TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, said:

“It is fantastic to see Dundalk Institute of Technology leading out on this innovative new master’s programme, which provides a highly practical approach to Responsible Entrepreneurship. Funded under the HEA’s RESPONSE initiative, programmes like this are vital for ensuring that we have responsible, sustainable businesses all across the country, adequately prepared to meet the challenges presented by an ever-evolving landscape.

"Participating students nationwide will have the opportunity to make a real difference and become the changemakers of the future. It’s wonderful to see such high interest in this programme at DkIT and partner colleges—ATU, MTU, and TUS.”

To kick off the programme, participants completed a two-day induction in Dundalk which covered sessions on Digital Citizenship by Colin Cooney, a lecturer in the Department of Business Studies and an introduction to the UN SDGs by Bobby McCormac, a lecturer in the Department of Humanities. One of DkIT’s Sustainability Champions, Mary Kennedy, facilitated an interactive Industry Panel session discussing the importance of sustainable business, and this was followed by a Careers Workshop by DkIT’s Head of Careers and Employability, Anthony Murray. 

Dr Breda O'Dwyer (MTU), Dr Teresa O'Rourke (DkIT), Prof. Colette Henry (DkIT), Dr Derek McInerney (TUS), Louise Sherry (HEA), Dr Seamus Lennon (ATU), Erin McGreehan TD, Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan (DkIT), Dr Patricia Moriarty (DkIT),  Garrett Duffy (DkIT), Colin Cooney (DkIT), Amanda Kearns (DkIT), Annemarie Cogan (ATU)

Louise Sherry, Senior Manager, Skills and Engagement at the HEA said:

“I was delighted to be invited to the formal launch of the RESPONSE initiative to represent the HEA who are the funders of the Entrepreneurship Education Initiative.  This initiative reflects the HEA's objective to develop a national initiative which can be delivered by multiple providers either focusing on entrepreneurship education or student entrepreneurship.  

 This initiative is one of only five initiatives supported by the €1.5m Call for Proposals in 2024. One of the key requirements for consideration by the HEA in approving support was collaboration with multiple providers which is such an important feature of the RESPONSE initiative.  This collaborative Masters programme will support the development of leaders in responsible entrepreneurship and involves 5 higher education institutions and with almost 40 students participating nationally.”

On Day 2, participants were introduced to the concept of Disciplined Entrepreneurship by Associate Professor Eric Clinton from DCU. The session included guest speakers Donal Quinn from ENSO and Dr Fergal O’Rourke from DkIT’s CREDIT Centre, with REsPoNSE Project Manager Dr Teresa O’Rourke closing the session.

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REsPoNSE Chair and Head of Department of Business Studies, Professor Colette Henry said:

“I am so proud that we have reached the launch stage of this programme. With the support of DkIT staff, our Registrar’s Office, our Project Manager Dr Teresa O’Rourke, our partners ATU, MTU, TUS, UCC and the HEA - our funders – we have brought a novel programme idea from the back of an envelope through a rigorous research, design and validation process to create a Masters in Responsible Entrepreneurship – all within the space of a year. That’s an incredible achievement and I am thrilled to be part of it.”

Following the two-day kick-off session in Dundalk, students will receive most of their classes online with one-day blocks spread across the partnership campuses. A particularly novel aspect of the programme will be the opportunity for students to take a level 9 Incubation module for responsible enterprise, led by DkIT’s Incubation Manager Garrett Duffy, the first of its kind in Ireland.