Developing Circular Economy Competences for Sustainable Entrepreneurship in European Youth

The shift towards a circular economy is a key priority under the European Green Deal 2020, aiming to create a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. This blog post examines an initiative designed to close the significant gap in circular economy entrepreneurship competences among European youth, particularly youth workers, thereby contributing to social integration and local job creation.

The essence of this program is to empower youth workers with the entrepreneurship skills necessary to develop and implement business models based on circular economy principles. This approach is particularly impactful in rural areas, where the transformation of unused spaces into coworking areas and startup incubators is fostering job creation and entrepreneurship.

The initiative includes the development of innovative self-assessment business tools and cross-border training programs. These tools are crafted to help participants evaluate their business ideas and strategies through the lens of the circular economy, ensuring that their enterprises are sustainable and environmentally friendly. The training programs, on the other hand, are designed to foster cross-border cooperation among young entrepreneurs, enhancing their knowledge and skills through a comprehensive European network.

Furthermore, the program aims to promote the conversion of unused spaces in rural areas into vibrant economic hubs. This not only utilizes neglected spaces but also encourages the local youth to engage in entrepreneurial activities, thereby revitalizing their communities and reducing the urban-rural divide.

By focusing on circular economy principles, the initiative ensures that young entrepreneurs are not just creating businesses, but are also contributing to a sustainable future. They learn to use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, and create products and services that contribute positively to the environment.

This comprehensive approach to developing circular economy competences among youth not only addresses the current skills gap but also prepares a new generation of entrepreneurs who are ready to lead the transition towards a more sustainable economic system in Europe.