Blog

What Europe needs is to become more entrepreneur-friendly

Dr. Vera Demary, Head of Research Unit “Structural Change and Competition”, Cologne Institute for Economic Research, Germany

Despite all the effort, data clearly shows that Europe is lagging behind the US when it comes to entrepreneurship and founding new companies. It is common knowledge that there are two main obstacles to becoming an entrepreneur in Europe: the availability of venture capital and administrative hurdles.

There is a third obstacle, however, that poses a great challenge for all future entrepreneurs in Europe: a weak entrepreneurial culture.

Fostering entrepreneurship and building skills – An important pillar of Europe’s future prosperity

Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor Europe

Europe has been experiencing turbulent times, both politically as well as economically. At the same time, we have seen the region living up to the challenges. Just look at the countries that were struggling most with the Euro crisis: their economies are mostly on the upswing again. That’s an important trend for all Europeans – and in particular for the young who, despite their good education, have found it hard to secure work.

I'm coming back to school as an Ambassador of the JA project

Martina Dlabajova, Member of European Parliament, Czech Republic

"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of minds to think." -Albert Einstein

I must confess that I like my job at the European Parliament, although there are days when I would like to exchange my parliamentary bench with a school bench. Who doesn't like remembering those carefree school years?  However, we should be careful what we wish for because sometimes it might come true. That's how I ended up back at secondary school - even if from a slightly different position.

Stimulating young ambitions through entrepreneurship

Sara Angulo Benitez, Head of Citizenship Europe, Barclays

More and more studies show clear evidence that young people lack the necessary skills to secure employment or become entrepreneurs themselves. By now we have been talking about the skills gap for quite a long time and calling businesses for action, to get involved and contribute to minimising this gap – Barclays has answered that call and partnered with JA Europe to guide the next generation on the path to success, entrepreneurship, and employability. 

Crown prince(ss) for a day

JA Norway, News from the Network

"I will never forget this day" said Natalie Hettervik Flesjaa (18) after shadowing H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon through an ordinary day at work. 

17 years old, Natalie was a successful CEO for Smartfood UB. Due to her good results as a leader and the outstanding achievements of the company, Natalie was carefully chosen as one out of 30 young entrepreneurs to participate in Leaders for a Day in Norway.