Development of the entrepreneurial capacity of European citizens and organisations is one of the key policy objectives for the EU and Member States. Entrepreneurship is seen more as a competence than a skill. Generating an entrepreneurial mindset should start in early stage of life.

European Early Innovators Program aims to stimulating development of tools and programs what empowers young people to get engaged in entrepreneurship by reinforcing their high-level and transversal competences needed for self-employment – and as additional chance for young people, needed for intrapreneurship, meaning the ability to contribute more independently to the success of bigger organizations.

Programs to support start-up enterprises exist. Before using those programs, a personal decision on establishing and managing an enterprise must be taken. Insufficient awareness and a lack in motivation to become entrepreneur is a European societal challenge.

Business environment is specified by a high innovation tempo, the use of cross-sector technologies and changes in the labour market. Basis for doing successful business is to combine knowledge on the market with unique solutions, generated by scientific work. Entrepreneurial education needs to be included in curricula of much more universities. European Early Innovators Program is designed as support and coordination action to foster entrepreneurship among youth.

European Early Innovators Program contributes to

• a larger number of entrepreneurs, prepared by achievable real-life experiences, project work and hands-on habit
• increased number of innovative enterprises in Danube Region
• corporate culture based on target oriented investment in education
• guiding youth to STEM
• specifically qualified teachers and trainers in schools and universities.