Improve Your Entrepreneurial Skills with EntreComp

With the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, also known as EntreComp for short, the European Commission provides citizens with tools for developing entrepreneurial skills. As a competency model, EntreComp is widely applicable-for example, for identifying and developing your own entrepreneurial skills.

European Commission Maps Out Entrepreneurial Skills

In 2016, the European Commission introduced the new competency model, EntreComp. EntreComp offers everyone the opportunity to assess their entrepreneurial skills. The European Commission’s goal is for citizens to feel motivated, through the insights gained, to further develop these skills. This makes the competency model applicable not only in the informal learning environment-where lifelong learning takes place-but also in professional contexts. EntreComp is well-suited for gaining insight into and developing your entrepreneurial skills.

Context of the EntreComp Competency Model

The EntreComp competency model is the result of a study commissioned by the European Commission and conducted by the Joint Research Center. In 2006, the European Commission set a goal of promoting the knowledge society. To this end, eight competencies were formulated. The EntreComp competency model gives concrete form to the pursuit of a “sense of initiative and entrepreneurship,” making it applicable within both formal and non-formal settings. With EntreComp, the Commission has introduced a widely applicable assessment tool in the field of entrepreneurial skills. The competency model is currently one of the most popular frameworks for understanding and developing entrepreneurial skills.

The EntreComp Competency Model

The model consists of three competency areas and fifteen competencies, each listing the most important aspects. The three competency areas are “ideas and opportunities,” “resources,” and “taking action.” What makes this model unique is that the boundaries between the different competency areas and competencies are not strictly defined. The competency areas and competencies are so intertwined that it is possible to establish new connections on your own. The model not only provides insight but also offers a path to self-development as an entrepreneur. The focus here is primarily on changing behavior and developing your ability to take action, rather than on acquiring theoretical knowledge.   [caption id="attachment_10865" align="aligncenter" width="635"] source: https://ec.europa.eu/ [/caption]  

Entrepreneurship-Oriented Learning

Entrepreneurial skills can be developed by taking actions aimed at creating value for others. This involves not only bringing ideas to life and recognizing opportunities, but also the ability to create value for others in both complex and less complex situations. The EntreComp competency model maps the progression of this development across four levels, from basic to expert. Each level is further divided into sub-levels.

Four Levels of Entrepreneurship

The bottom rung of the ladder is marked by the basic level. At the basic level, individuals are able to create value for others with some outside assistance. By applying these skills with increasing independence, individuals reach an advanced level. Subsequently, by repeatedly translating ideas into concrete actions, individuals reach an advanced level of entrepreneurship. The highest level-that of the expert-is reached when actions consistently lead to above-average results.

Application of the EntreComp Competency Model

The European Commission has set itself the goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their role in society, can use the competency model to develop entrepreneurial skills. This aligns with the concept of lifelong learning, in which skills are acquired not only through knowledge but also through experience. Developing entrepreneurial skills is key to the development of a knowledge-based society. However, it is also an excellent model to apply within a context explicitly focused on improving entrepreneurial skills within a specific professional group. A professional learning environment is indispensable for entrepreneurs who wish to reach the expert level.

Entrepreneurial Skills for Employees

Entrepreneurial skills are not only a key competency for entrepreneurs; salaried employees who develop these competencies are also of great value within a company. For example, in numerous roles, the ability to turn ideas into value and to recognize and seize opportunities are indispensable skills. The EntreComp competency model is therefore used by many employers to assess employees’ entrepreneurial skills and develop a path to further develop these competencies. The EntreComp competency model thus serves as a guideline within the business community for employee coaching programs.

Widely Applicable

EntreComp is not only useful for assessing current entrepreneurial skills. As we mentioned earlier, it is also an excellent model for determining the learning curve. Furthermore, the EntreComp competency model is used as a guideline in the development of various courses and programs in the field of entrepreneurship-oriented learning. These courses, programs, and coaching programs are now available at the secondary and higher education levels, in both formal and non-formal settings. EntreComp has thus proven to be a widely applicable reference model for the further development of a high-level knowledge society.

Essential Professional Knowledge

The EntreComp competency model focuses primarily on the entrepreneur’s actions. Subject-specific knowledge remains somewhat underemphasized in this context. Nevertheless, we must not forget that one does not become a successful entrepreneur through behavioral change alone. Identifying opportunities and developing ideas also requires a certain degree of knowledge development. The ability to develop this knowledge and the ability to turn thoughts into action are not equally accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, developing strong entrepreneurial qualities is therefore not within everyone’s reach.

Test Your Entrepreneurial Skills Yourself

Are you curious about your entrepreneurial skills? You can easily gain insight into your entrepreneurial skills online. You can then use this knowledge to further improve your entrepreneurial qualities. The Big Fifty Personality Test maps out your personality profile. You’ll also receive an indication of opportunities to further develop various competencies. The online 360-Degree Feedback assessment provides a concrete picture of your skills, competencies, and other entrepreneurship-related traits. Insight is the first step toward progress.