Youth Policy Dialogue: Powering Europe's Startup and Scaleup Future

Europe needs bold ideas, ambitious entrepreneurs, and a thriving innovation ecosystem to compete globally. Yet many young people face the same barriers: from accessing funding and navigating complex regulations, to turning research into real-world solutions. 

This Youth Policy Dialogue with European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, held as part of the Green Transition Forum, will explore:

• How can the EU make it easier and faster for young innovators to start and grow companies?
• What support do students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs need to succeed? How can we make it more visible and accessible?
• How can universities, tech hubs, and enterprenuerss better collaborate to increase their impact?
• How can Europe ensure no talent is left behind, especially young women and those outside major cities? 
  Young participants (aged 16–30), across 4 working groups, will tackle these questions, sharing their experiences and ideas for concrete solutions to Commissioner Zaharieva. 

Their input will feed into key EU initiatives, including the practical aspects of implementation of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, which aims to make Europe the best place in the world to launch and scale innovative businesses.

Youth contributions won’t end with the dialogue. The European Commission will publish a report summarising key recommendations and insights from participants; ensure the youth ideas feed into policy (results will inform the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the Action plan for women in research, innovation and startups, Horizon Europe funding, and programmes like the European Competitiveness Fund); and follow up with participants to review the report and stay engaged in shaping EU innovation policies.