Recognising the autonomy of HEIs

The 12 Criteria articulate realistic expectations for the integration of the entrepreneurial mindset into core HE activities and do not attempt to describe an idealised entrepreneurial Higher Education Institution.

The accreditation process recognises the autonomy of HEIs within their regulatory environment and, therefore, the Evaluation Criteria focus only on the entrepreneurial approach to the 4 core HE activities.

Further, E-STAR accreditation values the rich diversity of HEIs, using an approach that embraces differences in missions, histories & traditions, locations & stakeholders, & resources (financial, physical & human).

There is no requirement for HEIs to share confidential or commercially sensitive information.

Student education and career planning

Peer reviewers will examine the HEI’s website and identify examples of page(s) on the website which would enable a potential student to find answers to the following questions:

S1 What are my options for gaining a qualification which has a focus on creativity, innovation or entrepreneurship?

S2 What are the opportunities for me to  take an active role in extra-curricula activities that support my creativity, innovation or entrepreneurship?

S3 How will you help me to manage my career options including preparation for employment or entrepreneurship?

Transfer of knowledge to business 

Peer reviewers will examine the HEI’s website and identify examples of page(s) on the website which would enable a person who aspires to start or grow a business to find answers to the following questions:

T1 What training and resources do you offer that would help me to start a new business or enterprise?

T2 What training and resources do you offer that would help me to improve my existing company or organisation?

T3 How can your research (activities, people and resources) help me or my organisation or my sector/industry? 

Academic innovation and development

Peer reviewers will examine the HEI’s website and identify examples of page(s) on the website which would enable an employee at the HEI to find answers to following questions:

A1 What is my organisation’s strategic commitment to innovation in Higher Education?

A2 How is responsibility for innovation represented within the governance and leadership structures of my organisation?

A3 How does my organisation support equality and diversity?

Regional impact (economic, social and cultural)

Peer reviewers will examine the HEI’s website and identify examples of page(s) on the website which would enable alumni and members of the public to find answers to following questions:

R1 How do you support me as a member of the alumni?

R2 How can I find out about on-campus activities or online events that are open to me as a member of the general public?

R3 How are staff and students engaged in the local community in ways that generate benefits for citizens?