Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A Regional Project for Europe

November 6 - 12, 2014

About

Europe and Eurasia have extreme economic growth potential which makes them ideal locations for entrepreneurs to thrive. The European Commission created an Entrepreneurship Action Plan in 2013 which included education, ease of administrative requirements and the increase of investor accessibility [1]. However, entrepreneurs in Europe still face several challenges including the difficulty in acquiring finance and new markets, business transfer, and lack of awareness. 58% of Europeans would prefer to work as an employee rather than taking their own risk. Many say that the main problem is accessing capital and investments. Europe and Eurasia are trying to revitalize the growth of their economy by supporting an innovative culture. An innovative spirit has slowly begun to grow but there are still limitations and difficulties with red tape.

About the Program

The IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. Over the last 70 years, the IVLP has developed into the premier professional exchange program in the U.S. and brings over 200 emerging leaders to Jacksonville every year.

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/promoting-entrepreneurship_en

[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1670599.stm