Final report - European Commission - Europa

CLOSING SPEECHLisbet Rugtvedt, State Secretary for Education, NorwayLadies and gentlemen,Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the winding up of this interesting conference on the Fostering ofEntrepreneurial Mindsets through Education and Learning.As we all know, Entrepreneurship in education and training is recognized as a central element in the EU entrepreneurshippolicy. It is pointed out that a culture that supports entrepreneurship will contribute to innovation and economicgrowth.In the spring 2000 the EU decided upon the Lisbon strategy. The strategic goal is that by 2010 the EU shall be the mostcompetitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, an economy that can create sustainable economicgrowth with more and better workplaces and greater social equality with respect for the environment.In the EUs follow-up of the Lisbon strategy, entrepreneurship has a central place. This we can also see in what wasdecided upon in the Stockholm meeting of ministers in spring 2001 where the Lisbon goals were further enhanced.In February 2001 The Education Council adopted a report on the future objectives of the education systems. Key areasidentified include strengthening the links between educational institutions and businesses, and developing the spirit ofenterprise throughout the education and training systems.In 2003 the European Commission added a further follow-up, the so-called Green Paper on Entrepreneurship in Europe.Here growth and development opportunities are emphasized, among other things, through knowledge and innovation.Why Entrepreneurship Education?So, ladies and gentlemen. – Why Entrepreneurship Education?The importance of entrepreneurship as one of the basic skills to be improved through lifelong learning is highly recognisedtoday. Both the mentioned Lisbon strategy and the European Charter for Small Enterprises have stressed this point.In particular, the European Charter for Small Enterprises commits the EU to teach business and entrepreneurship at alllevels, and to develop training schemes for managers.At this conference the European Commission has presented its recommendations for paving the way for entrepreneurshipin education and training and an entrepreneurial culture. These are very much in line with the priorities of theNorwegian entrepreneurship education policy. I would particularly like to emphasize the importance of:The support from schools and pupils, schools shall receive practical support and incentives to include entrepreneurshipin training as well as paving the way for training teachers. · Encouraging entrepreneurship in HE (Higher Education), including integrating entrepreneurship in training -especially in natural science and technical studies.Good quality training and networks for teaching staff, where they can exchange best practice and increase themobility of teaching staff between educational institutions and the business sector.What does Entrepreneurship Education really mean?Entrepreneurship education involves developing certain personal qualities, and is not necessarily directly focused onthe creation of new businesses.82Entrepreneurship Education in Europe: Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets through Education and Learning