Project background

 
 

A survey carried out by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) (www.gemconsortium.org) emphasises the link between entrepreneurial activity and economic growth. An increasing trend to a knowledge-based economy requires more people to demonstrate personal initiative and enterprise. The most recent report (2001) poses three main challenges:

  • a major difference between male and female, young and older entrepreneurial activity;

  • a need to create a more entrepreneurial culture where people are not scared of starting a business; and finally

  • a need to encourage entrepreneurs to be more ambitious, innovative and want to grow their business.

    • Evidence indicates that European technology-based companies are not yet as effective as their international counterparts. For example, experts concur that Americans are ‘ahead of the game when creating a more conducive environment for new technology based firms’ growth’ (CORDIS, Euroabstracts, Aug 2001). Innovation statistics, specifically the number of patent applications in technology classes, also reveal Europe’s potential for improvement.

    This project is directed primarily at mid-career, unemployed, underemployed, at risk of being unemployed and inactive men and women. As a guide (as it has not been possible to find figures for the % of the population aged 40-64) in the EU, 23% and 61% of the population aged 25-54 and 55-64 respectively is unemployed.* The figures for unemployed women in particular are alarming: 33% and 71% of the female population aged 25-54 and 55-64 respectively. 1 This indicates a large potential target group and one that is not homogeneous. It for this reason and the increasing pace of innovation and change that the project will:

  • Firstly focus specifically on training our ageing labour force to create and grow technology-based, innovative enterprises.

  • Secondly the resource will also be aimed at teacher/trainers who want to receive specialised training in innovation and technology-based Entrepreneurship, and researchers who wish to progress their research into a business or employees who wish to start-up on their own.

  • Finally, project will also be applicable to business support providers, be they within a local enterprise agency, private company, government office or other relevant organisation; and providers of finance (risk, seed capital) for example, venture capitalists and business angels. There is assumption that their greater understanding of the creation and incubation process of technology-based SMEs will impact positively on their capacity to provide effective business support to entrepreneurs in the current economic climate. This will assist in encouraging greater networking among business support providers and academic and research organisations.

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