Breaking the mould: How liberal education is redefining entrepreneurship for a complex world

The traditional model of entrepreneurship is being disrupted in a world characterised by interconnected crises, complexity, and uncertainty. Today, entrepreneurs are not only problem-solvers but are also donning multi-faceted roles of being system navigators, culture changers, and long-term value catalysts. Along with technical proficiency, entrepreneurs also carry the social onus of viewing problems critically, establishing innovation in a sustainable way, and making morally correct decisions.

This is where liberal education is playing a quiet yet powerful role in India’s rapidly growing but still maturing startup ecosystem by shaping future entrepreneurs to build businesses with purpose, long-term vision, and perspective.

Entrepreneurship’s evolution

India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with more than 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of January 15, 2025. On the global stage, this vibrant ecosystem continues to redefine entrepreneurship and innovation.

However, the real question lies in how we prepare the next generation of business leaders to thrive in this new purpose-driven reality. The significance of the interdisciplinary education model is integrated within many academic fields, including data science, design, psychology, and environmental studies, rather than being taught in silos or only to business majors. Entrepreneurship is interdisciplinary by nature. This pushes learners not only to start businesses but also to promote a people-centric entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and adaptability.

An interdisciplinary education model cultivates this capacity to understand complexity and embrace uncertainties by thinking across disciplines and investigating the “why” behind the “what,” which are superpowers for entrepreneurship and not just academic excellence. An ecosystem focused on practice and purpose entrepreneurship is not a spectator sport! The best way to learn about entrepreneurship is to do it yourself. It can be done by providing subject matter experts, structured mentoring, and growth planning. Further, providing students with exposure to global thinkers and practitioners helps shape their perspectives and enrich their experiences for a future-ready entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, early-stage entrepreneurs can be provided with ample time to construct prototypes, test concepts, and develop business plans.

Universities can offer a strong support system that can help nurture budding entrepreneurs with hands-on experience, from guiding founders from ideation to scale, mentorship, experimentation, and introspection.

From new ventures to system transformation

The kind of founders and the quality of startups that we see emerging now are what we're most proud of. Many are working on problems like community finance, responsible AI, mental health, and water access that don't have easy answers.

These are systemic issues rather than mere market opportunities. Additionally, they need founders who can blend ambition and ethics, creativity and insight, and logic and empathy. That's precisely what an interdisciplinary education makes possible.

A new type of entrepreneur is needed

The calibre of entrepreneurship, and not just its volume, will be a determining factor as India's economy grows toward $5 trillion. While an interdisciplinary education model may not promise unicorns overnight, what it does offer is a far-reaching impact and endurance. It offers the ability to build ventures that are goal-oriented, futuristic, purposeful, and adaptive because entrepreneurs can’t only thrive on pitch decks and pivot plans, but they also need clarity of purpose and courage to deal with uncertain and unconventional outcomes.

We need entrepreneurs who do not just follow models but can break moulds. Interdisciplinary education, far from a luxury, is increasingly serving as the cornerstone for successful, ethical entrepreneurship. It is helping students acquire the skills, mindset, and values necessary to lead with purpose and navigate a complex world. It is not only about starting a business but also about building and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset that adds to India’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

(Prof. Vishal Shah is the Director of the Centre For Entrepreneurship & Innovation at FLAME University.)