About the Comenius Network “Entrepreneurship Education and the World of Work”

Background and general approach

“Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training” is the 4th strategic objective of the strategic framework ET 2020.

This strategic background is approach and motivation for the COMENIUS-Network “Entrepreneurship education and the World of Work – EE&WOW, together with the missions of flagship initiatives like “new skills for new jobs” and “youth in action” and the European Framework for Key competences, esp. Nr.7.

To enable young people to find a successful way from initial education into further pathways for education, qualification and job, is one of the most challenging task in Europe, with individual and social, economical and human dimensions. Entrepreneurship education, including development of Career management skills, is one key element to empower young people, and a demand for schools, other educational organizations, institutions like social partner and Public employment services as well as for stakeholder and policy maker at all regional and institutional levels.

Aims and objectives

The main aim of the network is to improve practices, processes and policies in Europe, to make sure, that young people acquire the basic life skills, entrepreneurial spirit and individual competences that are necessary for personal development in future employment and life. This approach addresses the educational dimension as well as the dimensions of employment and labour, and social cohesion as well as participation in society and democracy.

In European countries and regions quite different means and approaches for entrepreneurship education are present. To compare these approaches and to find a common view to the main topics within EE is one of the prior objectives of EE&WOW. Based on the results of this comparison common research and development in three topics were core tasks of the network

  • Entrepreneurial spirit & Career Management Skills and Transition to world of work
  • Policies, Strategies and Networks
  • „Cross-Check“ concerning Skills and abilities by students, teachers and entrepreneurs

Expectations for further perspectives

The outcomes and products of the network EE&WOW are quite practicable tools and instruments.

The “Dos and Don´ts” for “Entrepreneurial spirit” & “Career Management Skills and Transition” and for “Policies, Strategies & Networks” in Entrepreneurship education support practitioners in school and educational or other institutions as well as stakeholder, policy maker, authorities at all regional levels in assessing, developing and improving all relevant aspects of Entrepreneurship education in different areas of application. Recognitions and recommendations based on the “Cross Check” complete the tool set, for a broad, intensive and continuous implementation at local, regional, national and European level.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.