Agenda

Morning

08:30 – 09:15

Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:15 – 10:40

Panel 1 – Do Europeans dream of being their own boss?

With unemployment rising around Europe, the pool of potential entrepreneurs has arguably never been larger. This session will analyse what is required in order to foster greater levels of entrepreneurship around Europe and how such potential can be realised.

In particular, panellists will analyse what informs Europeans' understanding and attitudes towards entrepreneurship, and their perceptions of risk. The panel will also reflect on the role education plays within this context and look at the demographic and geographical disparities that need to be tackled.

Moderator:
Andrew Fielding, Research Fellow, Bruegel
Cheryl Miller, Founder, Zen Digital Europe & InspireGirls.org
Marko Curavic, Head of Unit 'Entrepreneurship', DG Enterprise and Industry, European Commission
Andrea Gerosa, Founder, ThinkYoung
Marina Yannakoudakis, Member, European Parliament

10:40 – 11:00

Coffee Break

11:00 – 11:30

Keynote Speech

Diego Canga Fano, Head of Cabinet, VP Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, European Commission

11:30 – 12:50

Panel 2 – Reducing risks: how to ease the transition from employment to entrepreneur?

This panel will examine practical barriers to entrepreneurship including the various sources of risk, and look at how these can be removed/managed. Specific emphasis will be given to whether particular business models can help the transition of employees and citizens into entrepreneurship?


Pablo Zalba Bidegain, Member, European Parliament
Michael Meissner, Vice President, Corporate Affairs Europe, Amway
Philippe Vanrie, CEO, European Business and Innovation Centres Network (EBN)
Ben Butters, Director of EU Affairs, Eurochambres

12:50 – 14:00

Walking Lunch and Close