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      <doi>10.14455/ISEC.2026.13(2).EPE-06</doi>
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        <article-title>INTEGRATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION:  A TECHNOLOGY COURSE PILOT</article-title>
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      <author>JAVIER IRIZARRY<sup>1</sup> and DIANA HORN<sup>2</sup></author>
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        <sup>1</sup>School of Building Construction, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA<br />
        <sup>2</sup>Mozilla, Atlanta, USA<br />
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    <abstract>
      <title>ABSTRACT</title>
      <p>This paper presents a pilot course designed to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation into construction education through a technology-driven framework.  Recognizing that each construction project operates like a startup requiring adaptive problem-solving and innovative thinking the course encourages students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset beyond traditional business formation.  Students begin by interviewing construction professionals to identify real-world challenges within the built environment.  Based on these interviews, they conceptualize and propose a product or service that addresses the identified problem.  The course emphasizes the application of emerging technologies, with students using the Boston Dynamics Spot robot as a development platform to prototype their solutions.  This hands-on approach fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, while reinforcing technical competencies.  Students are guided through the process of problem identification, ideation, and solution development, culminating in a presentation of their innovation.  Preliminary outcomes suggest that this model enhances student engagement and better prepares graduates to address complex industry challenges with entrepreneurial agility.  The pilot course demonstrates a scalable and replicable model for embedding innovation and entrepreneurship into construction curricula.  It also offers insights into how technology can be used not only as a tool for problem-solving but also as a catalyst for educational transformation.  By aligning technical learning with entrepreneurial exploration, the course bridges the gap between academic instruction and industry needs, equipping students with the mindset and skills necessary for leadership and innovation in the construction sector.</p>
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        <italic>Keywords: </italic>Quadruped robots, Digital technologies, Autonomy, 3D Printing</p>
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      <hpdf>EPE-06</hpdf>
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