Author(s): Yamkela Nhleko and Thea van der Westhuizen
Despite the entrepreneurial opportunities presented by Industry 4.0, this fourth era of technological change presents challenges to both industry and educational institutions. In particular, the operational model of the traditional higher education institution is affected. The aim of the research described in this article was to investigate the effect of Industry 4.0 on entrepreneurship education (EE), especially at higher education institutions (HEIs), and to identify how undergraduate students view the attempts of these institutions to turn out graduates capable of coping in a work environment characterised by complex and ever-changing technology. The quantitative research involved a case study of the Westville Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal by means of a survey of final year undergraduate commerce students who completed 248 questionnaires, the response rate of which was 100%. Data analysis produced descriptive and inferential statistics, which led to the recommendation that the existing EE system at HEIs should incorporate Industry 4.0 enabling courses to equip students adequately for the world of work.