European Enterprise Promotion Awards: Entrepreneurial education crucial for jobs creation
26 Jun 2014 12:40 PM
Education is an essential element of entrepreneurship.
Studies show that students who receive entrepreneurship education are not only
more likely to be employed, but also more likely to start their own companies.
Promoting entrepreneurship as a viable and attractive career path among young
people was a recurring theme in many of the entries received this year for
the European Enterprise Promotion
Awards(EEPA). This year there were applications from a record number
of countries from across Europe: a total of 31 countries submitted entries,
including all 28 EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Serbia and Turkey. The
Awards showcase the most successful promoters of enterprise and
entrepreneurship around Europe. They celebrate the best entrepreneurship
policies and practices, create a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs
play in society and encourage and inspire budding entrepreneurs from across
Europe.
European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani,
Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “New businesses
are the single biggest source of new jobs in Europe. Encouraging an
entrepreneurial culture and improving the business environment is therefore
critical for Europe’s recovery and growth”.
About the European Enterprise Promotion
Awards
National competition winners will now go forward to
compete in the pan-European Awards. Once the Jury has reviewed the entries this
summer, they will announce a shortlist of the top entrants in each category who
will compete in the European competition. The six category winners, including
one overall Grand Jury Prize winner, will be announced at the European
Enterprise Promotion Awards Ceremony in October, during the SME Assembly in Naples, Italy. The
SME Assembly is the focus of European SME Week, which takes place from 29
September – 5 October 2014.
The
more than 20 million SMEs in the EU represent 99% of businesses, and are a key
driver for economic growth, innovation, employment and social integration. The
European Commission aims to promote entrepreneurial education and improve the
business environment for SMEs, to allow them to realise their full potential in
today's global economy. New businesses are the single biggest source of new
jobs in Europe. This is why supporting entrepreneurial education is one of the
best ways to support growth and generate jobs.
For
example, between 15 % and 20 % of secondary-school students who participate in
a mini-company programme – in which students develop or simulate the
operations of a real firm – will later start their own companies. This
figure is three to six times higher than the general population, highlighting
the impact that entrepreneurial education can have on young
Europeans.
Background
Since 2006, the European Enterprise Promotion Awards
have rewarded excellence in promoting entrepreneurship and small business at a
national, regional and local level. Over 2 800 projects have entered since the
awards were launched and together they have supported the creation of well over
10 000 new companies. For more information on the European Enterprise Promotion
Awards, follow the Awards on Twitter in English, French, Spanish, Italian or German or visit the official Awards Facebook page.
The
Jury is chaired by Joanna Drake from the European Commission's Directorate
General from DG Enterprise and Industry. She is supported by a permanent
representative from the Committee of the regions, representatives from the
Greek and Italian Presidencies, academia and business.
For more information
European Enterprise Promotion
Awards
Entrepreneurship
Education
Revolutionising Europe’s
entrepreneurial culture