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LOOKING AHEAD
The economic climate in which we live is changing rapidly. New opportunities are arising almost daily, bringing with them new challenges which must be met - not just here in Scotland, but across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
In 1950, for example, the Asian economies' share of world GDP was 18.5%. By 2020, their share is expected to have increased to 30.3%. And by 2017, China and India will have nearly doubled their share of world income and are likely to be bigger than the UK, French and German economies combined. 63 We must be prepared to cope with this change if we are to compete effectively as a nation.
Scotland performs very well in terms of skills and learning. Our well-qualified workforce compares favourably with the top OECD nations. We have high levels of participation in all types of learning and our school attainment levels are rising.
With more than 50% of people qualified to Further Education level or above, Scotland is on a par with the USA and ahead of countries like New Zealand, Finland and Ireland. Learning has never been more important in our society and our lifelong learning policies are vital to Scotland's economic future.
"Many experts in business and entrepreneurship have long recognised an anti-enterprise culture in Scotland. Many people simply don't think they can start up a business, or don't know anyone who has. But we are now seeing a generation which looks set to go against the grain.
Most experts interviewed for the latest GEM Scotland report suggest Determined to Succeed has made a successful start, with momentum picking up in primary schools in particular. Experts have noticed that children participating in enterprise activities in school appear to have a new found confidence in their skills and a 'can-do' approach." 64
Dr Jonathan Levie GEM Scotland Project Leader at the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship
Continuing high levels of investment in education and lifelong learning are central to Scotland's future success. Young Scots must be ambitious, confident, creative and enterprising if we're to compete in the ever expanding global economy in which we all now live. In 'Life Through Learning; Learning Through Life', the lifelong learning strategy for Scotland, we recognised the need to ensure young people were better supported to make effective transitions from the classroom to life beyond the school gates.
The business support infrastructure in Scotland plays a crucial role in supporting young people achieve their ambition to create their own business. Business Gateway, in the Scottish Enterprise area, and the Local Enterprise Companies ( LECs), in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area, provide a mechanism for young people to transfer the entrepreneurial skills learned in education to the world of self-employment and business. A range of business advice and support services are available to encourage young people to consider setting up in business. For example, in the Scottish Enterprise area, a £1,000 business start-up grant is available specifically aimed at young people aged 18 to 30. Meanwhile the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust ( PSYBT) provides finance and professional support to young people aged 18 to 25 who wish to set up in business. This support consists of advice, pre-start training, aftercare and loan funding up to £5,000.
These transitions are not as positive for some young people. Scotland has one of the highest rates of youth employment in the OECD and a world-class education system which serves most young people very well, but, despite this, there are around 20,000 16-19 year olds who are not in education, employment or training ( NEET). These young people represent a wealth of undeveloped talent, a waste of human potential, and a missed opportunity for our economy. Whilst the Determined to Succeed strategy is not the sole answer to reducing the proportion of young people NEET, it does compliment More Choices, More Chances. Using enterprise in education to engage young people in their learning can help stem the flow of young people NEET by re-engaging them in education.
But while much has been achieved, we still have challenges to face. We need to make sure that everyone can benefit from learning, no matter what their age or background.
Numerically, the Scottish economy is dominated by small to medium-sized, enterprises. It is essential that people continue to aspire to start their own companies in order to support future economic growth. There is a direct correlation in Scotland between entrepreneurial activity and education, with graduates being significantly more likely to become entrepreneurs than non-graduates. 65
Studies suggest that more highly educated individuals have more positive beliefs and attitudes towards entrepreneurship, and that these more positive beliefs and attitudes are associated with an increased propensity to start a business, even after some level of controlling for previous experience and contact with new business activity. 66 It is therefore important that our young people remain in education or training that will support their future ambitions.
" Determined to Succeed is an incredible initiative. To have so many people across the country working to support enterprise in learning on a diverse range of different programmes is amazing, it really is the future of the country, and there is no question. I have already seen so much innovation, creativity and self-confidence in the pupils I have met; they are so enthusiastic and engaged with what is going on. In another five years its mind blowing to think where Scotland will be when these young people have grown up and are making their mark on society, it's quite incredible."
Amanda Harper
Tasmanian Department of Education, Australia
Determined to Succeed is fundamental in sparking enterprising ambition in our young people. For Scotland to realise its potential, we need a population ready and able to meet the challenges of a global 21st century. We need youngsters who are confident, flexible, prepared to take calculated risks, have a "can do, will do" attitude, and who want to make their ideas happen.
We need young people who are Determined to Succeed .
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