Page 22 - 21st Century Competencies: Foundation Document for Discussion

20 21st Century Competencies
The European Commission included a “sense of initiative and entrepre- neurship” in its recommended key competencies. In this framework, “entrepreneurship” refers to:
an individual’s ability to turn ideas into action. It includes creativity, innovation and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives. This supports individuals, not only in their everyday lives at home and in society, but also in the workplace in being aware of the context of their work and being able to seize opportunities, and is a foundation for more specific skills and knowledge needed by those establishing or contributing to social or commercial activity. This should include awareness of
ethical values and promote good governance. (European Commission, 2007, p. 11)
An entrepreneurial mindset requires not only entrepreneurial skills developed by formal education but also a culture in which real-world organizations welcome entrepreneurship and change and a culture of lifelong learning. It is important for educational institutions, in particular, to model this welcoming of entrepreneurship by both students and educators.