Partnership pedagogy in social entrepreneurship teaching and practice: towards western Sydney's regional identity

This case study demonstrates how university-industry engagement can be used to co-design, co-develop and co-assess pedagogy that enhances social entrepreneurship teaching and practice. It draws on the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification definition of community engagement and adopts Yamamura and Koth’s (2018) place-based community engagement principles to highlight how pedagogy grounded in local contexts can cultivate curiosity for deeper learning and forge pathways for meaningful social change. In collaboration with university academics and industry practitioners, this case study demonstrates how integrating business management, industry innovation, and a theory of change enables postgraduate students to gain a nuanced understanding of Western Sydney’s regional identity and the role of the social sector in shaping its future.
This case study recognises that social entrepreneurship teaching and practice requires a collaborative approach best achieved through university-industry partnership pedagogy. It empowers students, particularly in Western Sydney, to reflect on their lived experiences and contribute to the development of a regional identity, thereby facilitating social change. Furthermore, it demonstrates the value of adopting place-based community engagement principles in social entrepreneurship teaching and practice, supporting both the student experience and their opportunities for employability in a changing world.