Is Educational Entrepreneurship Context-Dependent? Insights from Directors of Israeli Local Education Authorities

In business, entrepreneurship is considered an impetus for change and innovation, potentially leading to the implementation of effective change and practices. In the last two decades, a discourse on entrepreneurship has surfaced within the education system. This study focuses on entrepreneurial processes initiated and led by local education authorities (LEAs) in socio-economically diverse areas. Thirty directors of Israeli LEAs participated in the study, including directors from municipalities with low, mid-level and high socio-economic status. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and relevant material published by LEAs (mission statements, promotional videos, etc.). Findings reveal variations in educational entrepreneurship and the role of external partners that promote it, across municipalities serving areas with different socio-economic characteristics.