Entrepreneurship and economic growth on the basis of local natural and cultural resources Erasmus Project

Project Title

Entrepreneurship and economic growth on the basis of local natural and cultural resources

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning; Entrepreneurial learning – entrepreneurship education

Project Summary

Context
Entrepreneurship and economic growth on the basis of local natural and cultural resources” is a project that includes the upper secondary schools IES Fuerte de Cortadura in Cádiz, Spain, and Valdres vidaregåande skule in Valdres, Norway. In 2014 both schools saw a need for developing their ability to teach entrepreneurship and promote entrepreneurial skills in their schools. Despite the obvious differences, the regions of Valdres and Andalucía, Cádiz in particular, have many things in common. In both regions tourism is one of the biggest branches, whereas industry is almost not present. Both regions have nature-based tourism, though in very different surroundings, and both regions have strong cultural traditions. Valdres is one of the regions in Norway where the general level of education is low, which is the case also in Cádiz. Spain as a whole suffered at that time from unemployment among young people (and still does, though the situation may have improved), as a result of the economic crisis after 2008. In Norway the situation was different, but the Norwegian economy is oil-based, and that raised the question: From what will we earn our living when the oil-era has come to an end? Valdres is also one of the regions in Norway where there is little direct involvement in the oil economy, and we saw other regions develop faster and adapt more quickly to world market needs. Therefore in both regions a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship seemed to be a good way to overcome the challenges of the (future/ present) economic situation.
Objectives
The aim of the project has been to develope entrepreneurship as a way of thinking and acting, in order to resolve future (in Norway) and present (in Spain) problems such as unemployment and low economic growth. By meeting students and teachers from a different country, you get to see your own country in a different perspective, which makes it possible to think new thoughts, see the strengths and weaknesses in your own surroundings, and see new solutions to the challenges you are facing.
As both regions are rich on both nature and culture, we decided to focus on how to develop entrepreneurship that uses cultural and/ or natural resources. These resourses are given, but special skills and knowledge is needed to develop a product or service. By studying the regions’ assets, their system of support for entrepreneurs, and last but not the least the businesses that have made it, we wanted to develop the schools’ and the students’ entrepreneurial skills and ability to develop their own regions.
Participating organisations
Valdres vidaregåande skule is an upper secondary school with 450 students, offering both vocational training and general studies. The students and teachers involved in this project were from general studies, attending Spanish class and entrepreneurship class.
IES Fuerte de Cortadura is a bilingual school with 350 students, offering general studies. They have extensive experience in cooperating with schools abroad on other topics, mainly focusing on cultural exchange and language skills.
Both schools have cooperated with local stakeholders and expertise to develop the project and to fulfill its goals and ambitions.
Main activities
The main activity in the project was student exchange. In March 2016 a group of 7 Spanish students and 3 teachers visited Valdres for 10 days of cooperation, indoor and outdoor activities, studying the local business life, in particular entrepreneurs and supporting organizations. Experiencing the region was a major part of it. Norwegian students took part in various activities and bonded with the Spanish students.
In March 2017 a group of 8 Norwegian students and 2 teachers visited Cádiz for a Spanish version of the program: Visits to local entrepreneurs and organizations that promote entrepreneurship, trying typical activities and getting a broad impression of the region’s assets.
Results and impact
The project has strengthened the schools focus on entrepreneurship, and their abilities to teach and promote the knowledge and skills needed to become an entrepreneur and to develop your surroundings. Here a list of the main results gained from the project:
Entrepreneurial knowledge and skills for both students, teachers and school leaders.
Language skills
Increased contact with local authorities and stakeholders
Establishment of network
Cultural understanding.
Exchange of ideas and good practices.
Experience gained by individuals
Output of student’s learning activities:
*Advertizing films
*Local media attention
*The blog http://eneg.blog.no.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 47710 Eur

Project Coordinator

Valdres vidaregåande skule & Country: NO

Project Partners

• Fuerte de Cortadura