On this page

1. Policy Framework

2. Formal learning

3. Non-formal and informal learning

4. Educators support in entrepreneurship education

Policy Framework

In the Republic of North Macedonia, the legal framework supporting entrepreneurship competence and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among youth is gradually evolving. While there is no single, overarching national strategy specifically dedicated to entrepreneurship competence, several policies and initiatives contribute to its development. The Education Strategy of North Macedonia (2018-2025) emphasizes entrepreneurial learning as a key component of the educational system, aiming to integrate entrepreneurship competence into formal education. Similarly, the National Youth Strategy (2023-2027) includes measures to enhance youth entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, cultivating an environment that encourages innovation and economic participation.

A significant development in the entrepreneurship landscape is the Draft SME Strategy 2025-2030, which outlines key goals such as creating an inclusive business environment. This strategy ensures equal access to resources and opportunities for various SMEs, including those led by women, youth, and marginalized groups. Activities such as entrepreneurship awareness campaigns, business plan competitions, and celebration events like the Global Entrepreneurship Week are designed to inspire entrepreneurial thinking, particularly among young people. This strategy is expected to help eliminate barriers related to geography, education, and financial constraints, ultimately boosting economic participation and social equality.

Furthermore, Measure 1.9.3 of the strategy highlights the importance of supporting NGOs that provide entrepreneurship education as informal learning. Аs stated, these organizations play a crucial role in expanding access to entrepreneurial education, especially for marginalized groups and those in rural areas. They offer tailored training programs that complement formal educational systems, enabling a broader reach. Additionally, NGOs can engage in independent research on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and conduct promotional activities related to youth entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and women entrepreneurship.

Although no updated national entrepreneurship education strategy has been introduced since the Entrepreneurial Learning Strategy (2014-2020) expired, efforts at the municipal level are ongoing. For example, the Municipality of Bitola drafted a Strategy for the Development of Social Enterprises (2023-2026) to support the growth of social enterprises at the local level by creating a supportive institutional and financial environment.

In North Macedonia, entrepreneurship competence is often aligned with the EU's EntreComp framework, which defines key entrepreneurial skills, though its implementation within national educational and employment sectors remains inconsistent. Key target groups for these initiatives include students, young entrepreneurs, and unemployed youth, with support offered through various training programs, mentorship, and financial support mechanisms.

Going forward, a comprehensive national strategy that integrates these efforts with EU standards and emphasizes intersectoral collaboration is needed to fully embed entrepreneurship competence into the educational and policy frameworks.

Formal learning

Entrepreneurship is included in North Macedonia's secondary education as a compulsory separate subject. Curricula for 2 compulsory subjects are developed: “Business and entrepreneurship”  for the fourth year in Gymnasium and secondary art education; and “Innovations and entrepreneurship” for first, second and third year. In the primary education, adaptations in 6 subjects are made aimed to integrate entrepreneurship in the curricula (the subject Innovations ) is included in the 9^th grade). 

In terms of higher education, the subject of entrepreneurship is taught at many Universities in North Macedonia. Currently there are two Faculties in North Macedonia completely dedicated to educating young people in the field of entrepreneurship.

Within the Slavic University of Sveti Nikole, Faculty of Economics and Entrepreneurship Organization for the past 14 years educates young people in the field of economy and entrepreneurship. The faculty is accredited for teaching in the first and second cycle of university studies.

Within the University of Tourism and Management in Skopje, there is an  Department of Entrepreneurship, which aims to connect students with the business community through the organization of scientific debates, trainings and lectures for students. The UTMS Entrepreneurial Business School through the Entrepreneurship Department offers students, through various projects and participation in business meetings, to enrich their knowledge, skills and competencies.

Non-formal and informal learning

These programs are transforming how young people in North Macedonia approach entrepreneurship, emphasizing real-world experience and the development of critical skills that are key to thriving in a competitive, dynamic market.

Educators support in entrepreneurship education

In the Republic of North Macedonia, various policies and public initiatives aim to strengthen entrepreneurship education by providing support not only for young people but also for educators and youth workers who play a crucial role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. These initiatives focus on enhancing teaching methodologies, integrating entrepreneurship into curricula, and offering resources for capacity building.

At the national level, the Government’s Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship of the Republic of North Macedonia (APERNM) is responsible for implementing policies related to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial education. The agency collaborates with the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development, which provides financial and technical support for entrepreneurship initiatives. Additionally, APERNM offers online resources, toolkits, and training materials for educators and youth workers to help them better support aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the education sector, entrepreneurship competence is recognized as a key component within formal and non-formal learning. The Bureau for Development of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science work on integrating entrepreneurship into school curricula, ensuring that teachers have access to training programs, teaching materials, and guidelines aligned with European frameworks like EntreComp. However, structured national-level strategies dedicated specifically to the training of educators in entrepreneurship remain limited.

There are several organizations that focus on supporting youth entrepreneurship and provide training and development programs for educators and youth workers in this field:

1. Youth Entrepreneurship Support Network (YES Network): This organization works to strengthen the networking capacities of youth-related Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and influences policy and program development aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship. YES Network's activities also include providing resources for educators to help foster entrepreneurial skills among young people.
   
    
2. PSM Foundation: The PSM Foundation aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and increase youth employment by strengthening young people's skills and competencies necessary to start their own businesses. The foundation supports this through various activities, including subventions, which are designed to help the local development of SMEs. It also offers training for educators on effective methods to support young people in becoming entrepreneurs.
   
    
3. CEED Hub Skopje: CEED Hub Skopje serves as a vibrant environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers, helping businesses scale and grow. They provide mentorship and programs that foster the development of entrepreneurial ideas, and they also offer educational resources for youth workers to guide young entrepreneurs.
   
    
4. Junior Achievement Macedonia (JAM): Established in October 2017, JAM is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global network of 123 organizations dedicated to encouraging and helping young people prepare for future jobs. JAM offers entrepreneurship education programs that aim to develop the entrepreneurial spirit and skills of youth, as well as provide teachers and youth workers with the necessary tools and training to effectively guide their students. Their programs include mentorship, business simulation games, and practical projects where young people can develop and execute their business ideas.
   
    

While these initiatives contribute to the development of entrepreneurship competence among educators, there remains a need for a comprehensive, top-level national strategy specifically dedicated to entrepreneurial education for teachers and youth workers. Strengthening collaboration between government institutions, academia, and civil society could enhance the effectiveness and reach of entrepreneurship education in North Macedonia.