This research explored how well Spanish universities in southern Spain are preparing undergrads for sustainable ‘blue entrepreneurship’ (ocean-focused business) by analyzing two crucial skills: Effective Communication (EC) and Teamwork/Cooperative Learning (TW&CL). By examining 81 undergraduate programs across 9 public universities using a mixed-method approach (combining detailed curriculum analysis with numerical comparison), the study found great news: both EC and TW&CL are highly valued and widely integrated into the degrees. The analysis revealed that effective communication thrives alongside critical thinking, and successful teamwork often involves interdisciplinary collaboration. Crucially, the data shows EC and TW&CL are complementary skills, reinforcing each other. This clear picture of how and how much these competencies are present helps universities better equip students for future careers in the growing social, sustainable, and blue economy.
Lechuga-Jiménez, C., Barroso, M.B, Alastor, E. and Tójar-Hurtado, J.C. (2024). Promoting social and blue entrepreneurship and sustainability skills in higher education by transversal competencies. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2309412
