The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a lively Ideas Without Borders breakfast to help bring more business thinking into the classroom.

Held across all three campuses, the event was organised by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. It brought together lecturers and staff to discuss how entrepreneurship can support their current work without adding to their workload.

A major goal of the morning was to strengthen collaboration across faculties. Often, faculties repeat the same work because they aren’t aware of what others are doing.

Dr Johann Landsberg, manager of the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), explained that his team is there to help. The EDC provides programmes and mentors that any faculty can use, making things more efficient for everyone.

“Our aim is to make colleagues aware of what we offer so we can support and streamline activities across the whole university,” said Dr Landsberg.

The event also introduced staff to partners like NWU Enterprises and Technology Transfer and Innovation Support. These groups help turn university research into real-world businesses that can create jobs and help the community.

Dr Annelie Steenkamp from the Vanderbijlpark Campus noted that while many staff were previously unaware of these support systems, there is a strong appetite to start working together.

To keep the momentum going, Dr Landsberg plans to identify entrepreneurship and community engagement champions in each faculty. These individuals will lead the way in connecting their departments with the bhive EDC.

Overall, the Entrepreneurship Breakfast reaffirmed the commitment of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

By working together, the university aims to increase impact and prepare graduates who are adaptable, opportunity-driven, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving world