Inclusive and Entrepreneurial Education: Understanding the Factors that Shape Equity in Formal Learning Environments

This Research Topic explores the intersection of inclusive pedagogy, entrepreneurship education, and educational equity. In a global landscape marked by cultural, social, and economic diversity, educational institutions face the challenge of providing learning experiences that are not only accessible but also empowering and transformative for all learners.

Inclusive education recognizes and values individual differences, fostering environments that respond to each learner’s needs and potential. Within this framework, entrepreneurship emerges as a transversal competence that supports personal and professional growth by cultivating autonomy, creativity, and adaptability. Yet, the success of these practices depends on factors that extend beyond traditional classrooms- such as family engagement, community context, and educational policy.

While the focus of this Research Topic is on formal learning contexts (e.g., schools, universities, vocational institutions, and teacher education programs), we also recognize the essential role of informal and non-formal learning environments, such as after-school programs, community-based initiatives, and entrepreneurial hubs. These settings often encourage experimentation, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are central to inclusive and entrepreneurial mindsets. We therefore welcome studies that examine how formal and informal learning interact to promote inclusion, innovation, and equitable access to educational and professional opportunities.

Theoretically, we encourage contributions grounded in frameworks such as:

- The Capability Approach (Sen, Nussbaum), emphasizing equity and human development.

- Social Constructivism (Vygotsky, Bruner), focusing on learning as a collaborative process.

- Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow), highlighting reflection and empowerment.

- Inclusive Pedagogy Frameworks (Florian, Booth & Ainscow), stressing diversity as an asset.

- Entrepreneurial Learning Models (Rae, Gibb), connecting education to creativity and agency.

Authors are also invited to propose alternative or critical frameworks, provided they align with the theme of inclusive and entrepreneurial education.

We welcome contributions that explore, among others:

- The influence of family and community factors on inclusive learning and student agency.

- The impact of teacher training and policy frameworks on inclusive and entrepreneurial practices.

- Educators’ perceptions and competencies regarding inclusion and entrepreneurship.

- Social and cultural barriers to inclusion in diverse educational contexts.

- Teaching strategies that foster creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking.

- Evaluation of programs that integrate inclusion and entrepreneurship across settings.

- Comparative analyses of inclusion models across educational levels and cultural contexts.

- The role of informal learning environments in fostering inclusion and innovation.

We invite empirical, theoretical, and practice-based contributions - including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies; case studies; systematic reviews; methodological innovations; and conceptual essays. Submissions should clearly demonstrate how their findings contribute to advancing inclusive and entrepreneurial educational practices.

Out of scope:
We will not consider manuscripts that focus exclusively on business or economic entrepreneurship without an educational dimension, nor those that discuss inclusion in non-educational settings (e.g., workplace diversity) without explicit links to learning or pedagogy.

Intended readership:
This Research Topic aims to engage researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners interested in inclusive and entrepreneurial education, as well as teacher educators, community organizers, and scholars working at the interface of formal and informal learning.

By integrating educational, psychological, and social perspectives, this collection aims to advance understanding of how inclusion and entrepreneurship - across both formal and informal contexts - can jointly contribute to equitable, innovative, and future-oriented education systems.

Keywords: Educational inclusion, entrepreneurship, formal educational environments, teaching, learning

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.