Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to present the methodology and results of implementing the Simulation crowdfunding game as a tool supporting the development of technological entrepreneurship and innovation in the manufacturing sector. The impetus for undertaking the research was the growing role of crowdfunding as an alternative source of capital for startups and academic spin-offs, especially in the context of emerging and transforming economies. Despite the dynamic development of crowdfunding, the literature on the subject still describes to a limited extent educational tools enabling effective development of competences in this area, especially with the use of simulation and gamification elements. The article presents the comprehensive methodology developed within two international projects: SYNERGY and IDEATION. A three-module approach was used, including theoretical training, creating crowdfunding campaigns and participation in a simulation game on the dedicated Synergy platform. The methodology was implemented in three countries (Poland, Germany, Spain) in groups of students and (non-) academic staff. The obtained results showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge (on average by 43.3 percentage points), confirming the effectiveness of the methodology. Additionally, an increase in engagement was observed thanks to the use of gamification elements and a positive impact of the game on the development of competences in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. The presented conclusions confirm the need for further development of this type of educational tools and their adaptation in various institutional contexts.