Abstract 

The academic training and professional aspirations of students enrolled in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) graduate programs in three agriculture colleges were explored in the context of the current knowledge-based economy. Particular attention was placed on how, if at all, study participants associate innovation and entrepreneurship with their research interests and intended career paths. In doing so, participant awareness of and perspective on current demands and opportunities for entrepreneurial scientists were explored. Recommendations for increasing the alignment between the so-called “knowledge economy” (Powell and Snellman, 2004) and the academic training and professional aspirations of STEM graduate students enrolled in agriculture colleges were developed.