THE INITIATIVE

Brochures

The European Commission's PAXIS initiative in co-operation with Eurocities has initiated a pilot project to prepare a methodology for the EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR (EDE). This pilot project is based on the experiences of the local “Dia de l'Emprenedor” of Barcelona.

The will not only help raise awareness of entrepreneurship EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR but will also provide an opportunity for many interested parties to learn from the experiences and good practices of others.

This year Sofia will organise THE EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR within the framework of PAXIS.

SOFIA EVENT

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the Mayor of Sofia Municipality Mr. Stefan Sofianski and the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski" Prof. Doctor Habil Boyan Bioltchev on 3 July 2003 stated the formal agreement and the main objectives of the cooperation in the Sofia EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR organization. The forthcoming EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR (Sofia, October 8-9, 2003) is a local event of European dimension. Bulgaria was granted the right of hosting it thanks to the active role of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski" and its partners in implementing projects on supporting innovative entrepreneurship. Up to now such events have been organized in several European cities.

WHAT IS PAXIS?

PAXIS is a Community initiative to identify, validate and disseminate successful models of setting up and developing innovative firms. The PAXIS idea emerged at the time of the First European Forum on Innovative Enterprises (November 1998, Vienna).

PAXIS develops on the basis of local achievements; it promotes connections among local key players from different European regions and cities; and disseminates successful models for start-up creation.

It includes three types of activities: the thematic networks or the so called networks of excellence; the trans-national projects; and the accompanying measures. Five thematic networks have already been set up in which 22 European economic areas of excellence analyse and describe existing knowhow. Bulgaria is highly interested in those activities and supports the successful transfer of good models enhancing the innovative start-ups creation.

THE OBJECTIVE

The objective of the event is to unite the efforts of all interested parties for developing innovations and innovative enterprises by taking advantage of the best ideas and results of local and European partners.

THE PROGRAMME

The programme of the forthcoming EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR (Sofia, October 8-9, 2003) includes:

• Discussing the national strategy of developing innovative entrepreneurship;
• Discussing the key institutions' policy of providing support and developing entrepreneurship;
• Holding plenary sessions, seminars, workshops and round tables with the participation of representatives of business circles, the legislative and the executive powers, banking institutions, local governments, industrial branch associations, research and development units, etc.;
• Presenting examples of successful know-how transfer of Eastern European countries;
• Presenting efficient management solutions of technical incubators;
• Holding contests for entrepreneurs;
• Setting up an exchange market of innovative entrepreneurship services.

POSITIVE OUTCOMES

What are the expected positive outcomes of the forthcoming EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR?

The event will provide the opportunity to:

• Identify the key players in implementing innovative development on local and national level as well as to facilitate the dialogue among them;
• Present good practices from EC initiatives like PAXIS and Gate 2Growth;
• Develop local and European partnerships on innovation policy and entrepreneurship;
• Figure out efficient measures and directions for regulations and development;
• Widen and enhance business contacts, including the ones among institutional representatives of European cities and regions;
• Integrate Sofia (Bulgaria) into the common European initiatives aiming at promoting and developing entrepreneurship;
• Develop a Sofia Model of EUROPEAN DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR which could be adapted to the needs of the cities in Central and Eastern Europe andWestern Balkans;
• Popularize the best ideas and results of the initiative.