Still too many barriers to entrepreneurship, Liikanen tells EESC
Entrepreneurs in Europe are still faced with too many hurdles, which is why implementation of the Commission's Action Plan is so important, Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society Erkki Liikanen has told the employers' group at the European Economic and Social Committee. Mr Liikanen said that in order to ensure real progress for the EU as a whole in promoting entrepreneurial activity, the Entrepreneurship Action Plan would deliberately target key practical considerations. 'We will review social security schemes for entrepreneurs. 'What has that got to do with the Lisbon objectives?' some may ask. The answer lies in the fact that in order for entrepreneurship to be tempting - if one compares it with the relatively cosy situation of being an employee - then we must give entrepreneurs a minimum in the way of social rights and benefits,' said the Commissioner. A practical approach towards changing attitudes is also a feature of the Action Plan, added Mr Liikanen: 'Entrepreneurship is first and foremost a mindset. One cannot change attitudes by law. Entrepreneurial attitudes are built over long periods of time by cultural learning, education and perceived opportunities. This means that we have to start at schools.' There is also a need to change attitudes and laws with regard to failed entrepreneurs in order to give them a second chance. 'Quite a few [people] would not invest money or even order from an entrepreneur that has failed in the past. The opposite is the case in the US. There it is recognised that 'seasoned' entrepreneurs are often better the second time around, after having failed once,' Mr Liikanen stressed. 'To conclude, building a culture of entrepreneurship cannot be achieved overnight. Our recent and forthcoming initiatives signify the start of an invigorated programme of work for entrepreneurship and competitiveness,' said the Commissioner.