I thought they were talking about preparing engineers for starting companies. In that analysis I think it makes sense that risk aversion is a factor, although,

I thought they were talking about preparing engineers for starting companies. In that analysis I think it makes sense that risk aversion is a factor, although, considering the odds of 90% failure* that are often reported, I'm not sure that we should talk about risk as much as lack of opportunity seeking. It's no surprise that many engineers, often looking forward to a prosperous career, don't see a need to seek opportunities with relatively low chances for an upside. This can't be compared to the fact that an engineer designing a bridge has to be very careful. Then I read the last line: "BEPs that successfully match students’ entrepreneurial attributes and development stand to help meet firms’ increasing demand for entrepreneurial graduates." And I'm no longer sure what they mean, do they see entrepreneurship as just another MBA, but for risk takers? * Even if compensating for some factors can make this less, you are in general more likely to fail than succeed with starting a company.