GENTe - Green Entrepreneurship Skills for NEET Persons

<< Background >>In recent years, the push towards a green economy in the European Union has highlighted the potential for substantial economic savings and environmental benefits, with strategies like eco-design and waste prevention possibly saving businesses up to EUR 600 billion. However, a significant concern remains with the high rate of NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) among young Europeans, standing at 16.4% in 2019, with a notable gender disparity particularly affecting young women. The Green Entrepreneurship for NEET Persons (GENTe) project addressed this by encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and by offering NEETs opportunities to enhance their employability through green entrepreneurship and capacity building. Early research within the GENTe project has validated these needs, underscoring the urgency for skill development and better employment paths. By aligning with EU policies and focusing on sustainable and adaptable approaches, GENTe aimed to transform environmental challenges into opportunities, specifically targeting the skill enhancement of NEETs and fostering their participation in the green economy.<< Objectives >>Through the development of innovative educational tools, we aimed to open up new learning avenues for a diverse group of young adults, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to seize opportunities for employability and entrepreneurship within the sphere of existing or emerging SMEs. Specifically, we envisioned that involving NEET adult learners in GENTe’s educational activities would spark their interest in novel employment paths and inspire them to integrate into existing SMEs or, ideally, to realize their entrepreneurial visions by establishing their own small, eco-conscious ventures. Moreover, we anticipated that all project participants—including NEET learners, partner organisations, and key stakeholders like SME representatives—would gain a heightened awareness of environmental concerns and actively embrace green entrepreneurship, thereby fostering a culture of eco-friendly learning and working across the EU. Additionally, the project was designed to enhance participants' digital literacy, empowering them to launch and develop sustainable, green businesses. << Implementation >>In our project, we meticulously implemented a series of activities aimed at engaging and empowering our target groups—primarily NEET individuals and SME owners—throughout all phases of the project, from its inception to its culmination. The core activities we embarked on were deeply rooted in both our initial research findings and continuous feedback from our target groups, ensuring a comprehensive and responsive approach to their needs and challenges within the context of the green economy.1. Comprehensive Research and Analysis: Extensive research phase that included: - Current Situation Analysis and Data Collection: We delved into the trends, policies, and best practices within the green economy across the EU, ensuring a solid understanding of the broader context in which our project would operate. Fed into: Situation Analysis Reports (national), Included in PR1 and PR3. Specific Activities: Situation Analysis, Localisation Process, Project Result Harmonization, Learning Content Development; Events: TPM and Online Meetings - Needs Assessment: Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups involving over 100 NEET individuals and SME owners across six countries, we gathered detailed insights into their specific needs, challenges, and opportunities related to green entrepreneurship. Fed into: Localisation Reports and all Project Results. Specific Activities: Needs Analysis, Learning Outcomes Matrix; Events: Focus Groups/Interviews, Online Meetings - Stakeholder Analysis and Skill Gap Analysis: We identified key stakeholders and assessed the skill gaps among NEET individuals, focusing on the requirements of the green economy. This phase was critical for tailoring our activities to effectively bridge these gaps. Fed into: Creation of the Interactive Training Curriculum (PR1) and subsequently the modules (PR1 and PR2). Specific Activities: Localisation Process, Project Result Harmonization; Events: Online Meetings2. Development and Implementation of Educational Materials and Platforms: - Interactive Training Curriculum: Based on the insights gained, we developed an Interactive Training Curriculum that was reviewed and refined through inputs from target group members, ensuring it was directly responsive to their needs. 4 identified key areas of interest, covered by 7 modules (PR1 and PR2). Modules created in an iterative process on the project Google Drive, involving all partners. Led by HIGGS. Translated into 5 languages. Specific Activities: Localisation Process, Project Result Harmonization, Learning Content Development, Piloting Planning (LTTA preparation) - Online Platform Prototype Development and Dissemination: Following the prototype development of the Online Platform by CSI, we undertook extensive dissemination efforts among target group members for pilot testing, collecting valuable feedback for further refinement. Prototype tested at the LTTA, feedback taken up and incorporated. Testing and feedback collection went on until the very project end. Current registered users: 158, website and all modules available for download in 5 languages; Specific Activities: Requirements, design and planning, Legal, ethical and privacy considerations, Online Content elaboration, update and delivery, Language adaptations, Functional (Technical) Testing and Delivery, Final delivery and deployment; Events: TPM2 & LTTA, Online Meetings- Interactive Guidebook: Data collection throughout the duration of the project. Joint definition of the chapters (5) by the partners, followed by iterative creation of the chapter content and design of the visual identity of the guidebook. Revision of the basic English version and adaptation of the translations (5 languages overall) by the end of the project. Disseminate and collect feedback from stakeholders at the Multiplier Events. Integration of lessons learned by the partners from the project period and creation of new content (Roadmap for Implementation). Specific Activities: Data Collation, Content Development, Content Multimedia Enrichment, Translation and Finalisation; Events: TPM3, MEs, Online Meetings3. Engagement and Involvement of Target Groups: -Direct Participation: NEET individuals were not only the focus of our research but were also actively encouraged to participate in educational activities and workshops, including national Multiplier Events and an LTTA in Cyprus, designed to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills within the green economy. Events: Focus Groups, LTTA, MEs, Dissemination Events. - Feedback and Adaptation: Continuous feedback was solicited from all involved parties, allowing for the dynamic adaptation of the curriculum and other project activities to meet evolving needs.5. Dissemination and Sustainability:- Through a multi-channel dissemination strategy, including the project website, social media, and Multiplier Events, we ensured that the project’s outcomes were shared widely, aiming for a lasting impact beyond the project's lifespan. Specific Activities: Development of project CI and Logo, Website creation and maintenance; Dissemination Strategy and Guide development; Dissemination strategy implementation by all partners; Stakeholder Matrix and Stakeholder Management; Exploitation strategy development; - A significant effort was made towards building capacity among partner organizations and their networks, ensuring the sustainability of the project's outcomes and the integration of its results into normal training activities; Specific Activities: internal communication; Exchange of knowledge and practices; Training of participants by Project Result leaders; Guidances and Template sharing, Quality Assurance activities; Events: TPMs, LTTA, Online Meetings6. Implementation ManagementEnsuring proper implementation of all project activities by the Coordinator and the Project Result leaders. See section “Project Management”. Through these comprehensive and integrated activities, our project not only addressed the immediate needs of NEET individuals and SME owners but also laid a foundation for long-term change by fostering a more inclusive and sustainable green economy within the EU. Our approach ensured that the project outcomes were not just immediate but would continue to resonate and expand, contributing to the broader objectives of enhancing adult learning and entrepreneurship in the green sector.<< Results >>GENTe aimed to provide equal opportunities for learning and employability to NEET individuals, especially women, by leveraging their existing skills and developing new competencies. Upon its completion, it was estimated that the project achieved the following results and outcomes:1.Provided an in-depth analysis of the current green economy and entrepreneurship strategies in Europe at regional, national, and local levels: This analysis was based on data collected from interviews and focus groups conducted during the project. The goal was to identify the specific characteristics of current opportunities for green entrepreneurship in the contemporary European labor market, as well as the benefits of including NEET individuals in current and future SMEs, to better provide opportunities for learning and employability.2.Developed and implemented an Interactive Training Curriculum (PR1) for NEET individuals: The Curriculum included activities designed to help NEETs, especially women, enhance their skills and capacities to enter the labor market. These skills encompassed digital literacy and methods for developing their business ideas, thinking about startup companies, entrepreneurship skills, etc. The Curriculum became a valuable tool for NEET individuals and was also utilized by partner organisations and stakeholders.3.Developed an Online Platform (PR2): The platform served as a bridge between NEET individuals and local SMEs, stakeholders, and organisations offering opportunities for employment and/or entrepreneurship. It included Curriculum activities and information about green opportunities in the EU. The platform was used for training NEET individuals in all partner countries and remained open to the public during and after the project's implementation.4.Developed an Interactive Guidebook (PR3): The Guidebook summarized the activities and outcomes of the project and became a comprehensive resource aimed at building the professional capacity of practitioners in the field of green entrepreneurship. It prepared SMEs, practitioners, and stakeholders to address the needs and gaps and fulfil the expectations identified in consultations with GENTe’s partners in the project's early stages.5.Disseminated the results and ensured the sustainability of the project: The successful implementation of the project laid the foundation for the integration of NEET individuals into the European green labour market and society at large and served as a model for other organisations and stakeholders across Europe to emulate. The impact of the outcomes was twofold: first, it encouraged a more inclusive approach from local SMEs toward NEET individuals, especially women; and second, it disseminated the experiences, knowledge, and practices gained through the project’s actions across and beyond GENTe’s network of partner organisations