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EntreComp - Policy background and methodology

In 2006, the European Commission identified a ‘sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’ as one of the eight key competences for Lifelong learning.

The 2008 Small Business Act for Europe, the 2012 Communication on Rethinking Education, the 2013 the 2016 New Skills Agenda for Europe and the proposal for a new Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong learning on 2018 have kept the need to promote entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial learning under the spotlight.

To describe this competence and establish the basis for a common understanding across the EU, the JRC, in partnership with DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, developed the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework

The key questions EntreComp framework addresses are:

  • What are the elements define entrepreneurship as a transversal competence?
  • How can entrepreneurship be described in terms of learning outcomes in a life-long learning perspective?
  • How can entrepreneurial learning outcomes be grouped into proficiency levels?

EntreComp builds on previous work carried out by the JRC to define another key competence for lifelong learning: Digital Competence, and aims to comply with the Commission's top priority on "Jobs, Growth and Investment" and to the Europe 2020 flagship initiative Agenda for New Skills for New Jobs.

Methodology

The EntreComp framework has been developed through a mixed-methods approach, made up of a comprehensive review of academic and grey literature, an in-depth analysis of case studies, and a set of iterative multi-stakeholder consultations. The image below summarises the steps that have led to the definition of the EntreComp conceptual framework.

 

Governance of the EntreComp framework

The EntreComp framework is governed using a multi-stakeholder approach where DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and JRC lead the management and quality assurance. If you are interested in becoming part of the EntreComp stakeholder group please reach out to us sending a brief motivation letter.