Department of Administration and Accounting, Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil.
Department of Administration and Accounting, Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil.
Department of Administration and Accounting, Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil.
The growing integration of entrepreneurship and innovation in universities requires public graduate programs to adapt to social and market demands. This study investigates the integration of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in Stricto Sensu administration programs at Brazilian public universities. These programs are essential for training leaders and innovators, yet their ability to foster entrepreneurship and strategic thinking remains underexplored. The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on interviews with coordinators and professors from four major Brazilian public universities. Content analysis reveals an increasing alignment between teaching and entrepreneurial practices, driven by active learning methods. However, challenges persist, such as the tension between academic productivity and practical entrepreneurial experiences, as well as the still incipient collaboration between universities and the private sector. The findings highlight the role of graduate programs in developing strategies aligned with societal needs and the importance of institutional support for entrepreneurial initiatives. This study reinforces how EO can be a strategic tool in public administration education, preparing leaders to address social challenges through innovation and collaboration.

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