INTRODUCTION: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A KEY COMPETENCE (ERF)

In topic 2, the methodology explores the notion of entrepreneurial learning that is included in the key competencies of ERF for lifelong learning which enhances work-based and project-based learning. The ERF seeks a reinforced and systematic collaboration between education, training and employment learning settings to support lifelong learning pathways. The EntreComp Framework is analysed as well to show how entrepreneurial attitudes are capable of unlocking personal potential, creativity and self-initiative.

This topic thus leads coaches to understand and find out what types of entrepreneurship exist to later understand the kind of coaching support is needed. Each coachee needs a different coaching support depending on the type of business she aims at, her personality traits, or decision-making style.

In 2006, the European Commission has proposed the further support and development of individuals’ key competences for lifelong learning. The Council has thus, identified the eight key competences for personal fulfilment and development, employability, active citizenship and sustainability. One of them is Entrepreneurship which has become a policy priority especially in education and training/coaching.

Entrepreneurship competence, according to the Council’s Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2018), is defined as the “capacity to act upon opportunities and ideas, and to transform them into values for others. It is founded upon creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, taking initiative and perseverance and the ability to work collaboratively in order to plan and manage projects that are of cultural, social of financial value”.

According to the Council of European Union’s Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2019), entrepreneurship is a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Overall, the entrepreneurial competence requires knowing that there are different contexts and opportunities for turning ideas into action (ibid). Entrepreneurial skills are based on creativity such as imagination, strategic thinking and problem-solving and an entrepreneurial attitude is characterised by a sense of initiative and agency, pro-activity, being forward-looking, courage and perseverance in achieving objectives (ibid).

The European Commission initiates various actions to support entrepreneurship. One prominent example is the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan (ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2020 ACTION PLAN. Reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe, 2013), aiming to support and boost entrepreneurship in Europe. Entrepreneurship has been identified as an essential component in economic growth and employability and marks the basis of a knowledge-based society. The Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan calls upon all Member States to work on the following priorities on a European, national, regional and local level:

• Embed entrepreneurship education and training in their educational systems,
• Create an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and grow within a sustainable ecosystem for the development of enterprises by removing existing barriers and,
• Disseminate best practises, initiatives and projects that promote entrepreneurship and reaches out to specific groups of society to finally enhance inclusion and integration.