Young entrepreneurship is a crucial driver for innovation and economic growth, particularly in student cities. In Bruges, various partners are collaborating within the TURBO project to create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young people. Despite a growing reach, the number of effective student starters remains stagnant.
Significant barriers for student entrepreneurs include uncertainty about entrepreneurship, administrative burdens, financial pressure, and a lack of time. Furthermore, the valorization of research into entrepreneurship proves challenging, leaving many innovative ideas untapped. This project aims to make young entrepreneurship more attractive and accessible, with a specific focus on the bridge between research and entrepreneurship.
The project seeks to inspire, support, and guide students and young researchers in developing entrepreneurial competencies and realizing their ideas. By analyzing barriers and success factors through surveys, coaching trajectories, and case studies, the project implements the EntreComp model. Workshops, networking events, and the 'Lab to Launch' trajectory are organized to convert scientific knowledge into entrepreneurial initiatives.
Partners share expertise to jointly build an institution-overarching offering. Expected outcomes include an increased intake of student entrepreneurs, greater valorization of research, and a strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bruges. The insights from the project will provide policy and practice with tools for an inclusive, innovative, and entrepreneurial youth population.
