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1. Policy framework

2. Formal learning

3. Non-formal and informal learning

4. Educators support in entrepreneurship education

Policy framework

Young people are recognized as a target group in the Strategy for the Development of Entrepreneurship 2013-2020. According to the latest available data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor from 2020, the share of youth aged 18-34 in entrepreneurial activities was 52.1% on global level and 45.6% for EU2020. Republic of Croatia had 58,0% entrepreneurial activity of young people in 2018, measured by TEA index (share in age group). One of the goals of the Strategy refers to the development of entrepreneurship competence. However, it is solely focused on supporting the development of small businesses, strengthening their management, increasing the number of highly qualified employees and supporting life-long learning of employees in small businesses. Croatia had an entrepreneurial learning strategy from 2010 to 2014 but it was not subsequently renewed. Additional strategy is the Strategy for the Development of Women`s Entrepreneurship 2014-2020. The strategy aims to encourage entrepreneurship among women and reduce the gender gap. The first strategic goal of the "Competitive and Innovative Economy" includes entrepreneurship, but without a clear emphasis on youth entrepreneurship.

The new strategic goals for Croatia until 2030 are defined in the new National Development Strategy 2030.

Formal learning

Education for entrepreneurship is addressed in the National Curriculum Framework from 2017, developed by the Ministry of Science and Education. The National Curriculum Framework establishes entrepreneurial learning as a cross-curricular theme in primary and secondary education, but there is still no curriculum developed to implement this component. Several schools have recognized the need to develop entrepreneurial attitudes of students and independently developed learning for entrepreneurship through faculty teaching.

Non-formal and informal learning

There are no non-formal and informal learning programmes for entrepreneurship in Croatia that are coordinated by public institutions or financed from public resources.

Educators support in entrepreneurship education

Continuing professional development (CPD) is available for all teachers in primary and secondary education, including school-based IVET. Starting from school year 2014/15, the Education and Teacher Training Agency (ETTA) initiated a series of CPD seminars and workshops for school staff (school heads, teachers and others) focusing on EE. These activities are financed from the regular funds for general CPD activities conducted by ETTA. [Eurydice report ‘Entrepreneurship education at school in Europe’]