AER Summer School Östersund Jämtland,Sweden 24th -30th August 2008 Best practice exchange: Youth participation in the formation of regional entrepreneurship strategies

Youth Participation Objective: Promote the active participation of young people in life, in society and in decision making processes at local, regional and national level.

Youth participation Goals: Increase participation by young people in the civic life of their community Increase participation by young people in the system of representative democracy Provide greater support for various forms of learning to participate Mobilise the support of regional and local authorities for young people’s participation

Youth Participation Measures to enhance youth participation: Support for the creativity of young people to develop different forms of participatory dialogues in civic society Encourage in the best possible way innovative participatory projects and structures Encourage the participation of young people in democratic processes at local, regional and national level encourage the active participation of young people in the development of the local community, in particular for young people with little experience of such involvement

Youth Participation Mainstreaming Youth Empowerment Social Inclusion Structured Dialogue

Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative Innovation Creativity Risk-taking

Youth Entrepreneurship Values of Youth Entrepreneurship : Create employment Promote innovation Present alternatives to the organisation of work Sense of meaning and belonging, especially marginalized youth

Youth Entrepreneurship Support Measures: -Access to finance -Provide tailor made support -Suitable training offers -Changes in legislation -Reducing the stigma of failure -Review social security schemes for entrepreneurs

Back to the topic Include young people in the development of suitable support measures and into strategic regional planning!

Group Work Exchange of Best Practice Discuss in 4 groups (mixed youth and adult participants) What Best Practice examples exist in your Region for the inclusion of young people in the formation of regional entrepreneurship strategies? (Bring at least 1 example) What are the needs of a young entrepreneur which could be met by regional solutions? (try to identify as many needs as possible) In which areas the participation of young people in the formation of regional entrepreneurship strategies could be enhanced ? (Who are the stakeholders? Which strategic platforms do already exist? Which new forums would be needed? How can youth be integrated into these forums?)

Group work/Exchange of Best Practice Expected: Short presentation of each group to the plenary! PLEASE, identify a reporter!!!