As the leading member of the EU4E consortium, ESCP Europe will submit its European University project at
the next call for projects of the European Commission on European universities. The world’s oldest business
school defends its European identity, history, and roots to offer an novel educational alternative dedicated to
entrepreneurship.
The partners of the “European University for Entrepreneurs” (EU4E) Consortium, including ESCP Europe
Paris Campus, ESCP Europe Berlin Campus, ISM University of Management and Economics (Lithuania),
Kozminski University (Poland), Mondragon University (Spain), Portuguese Catholic University (Portugal), and
Oulu University (Finland) completed the first phase of the project with the signature of an MoU between
the partners. The ambition of the EU4E is to become the global benchmark on the theme of
entrepreneurship education. The originality of this proposition lies in:
– Its focus on “Entrepreneurship”, a transdisciplinary subject using transverse approaches and designed to
address the industrial and societal challenges in Europe;
– North-South-East-West cooperation with an inclusive dimension, focusing more on complementarity than
on elitism;
– Complementary pedagogical and methodological approaches rooted in the ‘knowledge triangle’ –
Education, Innovation and Research – , and drawing on the specific and complementary expertise of the
partners. As ESCP Europe is celebrating its bicentenary in 2019, the oldest Business Schools pays tribute to one of its
founders, the famous liberal economist Jean-Baptiste Say, who coined the concept of “entrepreneur”.
ESCP Europe Dean, Professor Frank Bournois, confirms “ESCP Europe is the cradle of
entrepreneurship and innovation. As the first business school of the world, the first pan-European school, it
is committed to promoting a dynamic European Economic Area, by offering, with complementary partners,the first European university dedicated to entrepreneurship. This sector is strategic for the place of Europe in
a world shaped by innovation and disruption. ”
Professor Witold T. Bielecki, rector of Kozminski University adds “Our contribution to the EU4E
project is the unique entrepreneurial spirit of the Polish economy that helped us to catch up with other
European countries after the EU accession in 2004. Since its foundation in 1993, Kozminski University has
been a key player in growing the Polish economy, helping businesses by supplying them with skilled,
innovative and ethical managers”.
Oulu Business School (OBS) Dean, Professor Mikko Puhakka, sees that “entrepreneurship is indeed a
crucial factor to be developed ‘glocally’, i.e. combining local and European offerings. OBS is fully committed
to contributing to the joint development of such glocal contents and expects all partners to achieve
considerable positive network effects of this collaboration.”
Professor Isabel Gil, Rector of Universidade Catolica highlights that “As a leading European University,
Catolica University’s participation in the EU4E Project is aligned with Catolica’s mission of creating an
international lifelong learning environment. Portugal is committed to leading the startup economy as a key
player in entrepreneurship. Catolica looks forward to expanding its global footprint with EU4E, bringing on
expertise and resources to an innovative and unique project.”
“ISM University of Management and Economics is working together with the universities around the globe to
ensure the quality of our studies and to provide space for our students to broaden their perception of the
world and to develop their critical thinking skills. One of our main focuses is international mobility of our
students as we strive to provide them with the best study experience in Lithuania and abroad. Therefore,
the membership in the international university network is crucially important to us. The step that we took
today has provided the strong basis for creating the European Network of Universities that share values,
vision and strategies and that will be able to support and assist each other in the future”, – says President of
ISM University of Management and Economics Dr Dalius Misiunas.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kaplan, ESCP Europe Berlin Rector, explains “Berlin is an Eldorado for the
entrepreneurial and creative scene. With hundreds of new tech start-ups launched per year, this is
particularly the case in the digital sphere. Digitalization strongly changes future job market needs. To be
prepared, students must be highly adaptable. An entrepreneurial spirit and thrive for innovation are of
essence. ESCP Europe Berlin is keen to add its expertise in this domain to the EU4E consortium.”
Lander Beloki, Dean of the Business Faculty of Mondragon University confirms ” This call is an
opportunity to create a consortium and continue working on new approaches to entrepreneurial education.”