Across Europe policy interest in the older workforce has increased over the past fifteen years, mainly due to the economic and social implications of rising life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Public policy suggests that individuals will have to work longer and later in life due to increasing pressures on pension funds and other public services. Workforce ageing is a key issue across all member states with many countries implementing policies and reforms that encourage older adults to work longer in later life. Moreover, the self-employment rate of older workers is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. Action and interventions are required to support older adults update their skills and knowledge, and to help them re-engage a) to the market as entrepreneurs, b) with learning so to enhance their employability to ensure both economic and personal needs are met. “Taking no action would weaken the EU’s ability to meet the future needs of an ageing population”.
Bringing together experienced partners in the field of entrepreneurial support, with a track record in the development of training and materials, can only be done on a transnational level. The different approaches as applied in the participating countries will provide a solid base for the work and allow for cross-border knowledge exchange and learning.
