The importance of entrepreneurship for economic development has been widely acknowledged in recent years. Entrepreneurship is assumed to be a major source of innovation, job creation and growth. Empirical studies specify growth as a function of the initial level of education. However, the importance of education for entrepreneurship has been acknowledged only recently.

Nowadays both scholars and policy makers are becoming aware of the importance of the educational system for entrepreneurship. The educational system creates awareness of alternative career choices and broadens the horizon of individuals, equipping them with cognitive tools and enabling them to perceive and develop entrepreneurial opportunities.
Moreover, the educational system can help people to develop qualities that are considered important for entrepreneurship. Although there is considerable debate about the extent to which entrepreneurial qualities can be taught, several scolars agree that entrepreneurial qualities can be developed through training at an early age.

This study attempts to create a better understanding of the role of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial qualities. Theory and practice are confronted. The paper discusses the extent to which entrepreneurship can be taught, and the way in which it should be taught. The focus is on the phase of initial education.

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