ALDA firmly believes in the importance of local democracy, a principle that lies at the core of our mission. That’s why we’re excited to take part in the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW).

ELDW is a pan-european event which aims at strengthening local democracy and citizen participation, co-ordinated by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. This event allows local authorities, associations, and citizens from 46 Council of Europe member States to come together. During this week, numerous events of various nature are organised to engage citizens in discussions on matters of local interest. The ultimate goal is to promote democratic participation at the local level and stimulate citizen involvement in social and political life.

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Together, we aim to encourage dialogue, share best practices, and ignite enthusiasm for local democracy among citizens

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The ELDW initiative focuses every year on a different topic. 

Over the past few years, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on societies worldwide. While it might have abated, it remains an ongoing challenge, a stark reminder of our collective vulnerability.

In addition to the pandemic, issues such as climate change, global warming, and regional conflicts have presented significant challenges for communities across the globe. These crises underscore the pivotal role of local and regional governments as the cornerstone of citizen participation and local democracy. When crises hit, it is local governments that citizens turn to for support and assistance. Therefore, it is paramount that we build democratic resilience in our societies to protect and empower citizens.

In 2023 and 2024, the ELDW will focus on the general theme of “Local Communities: Putting Democratic Resilience at the Forefront.” This theme is all-encompassing, covering a wide range of issues. For example, it explores the significant technological transformation driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and the digitisation that has revolutionised the ways communities function.

Furthermore, it highlights the importance of open and transparent governance, accountability, and the active involvement of marginalised groups and underrepresented communities in democratic processes. By promoting inclusive participation and early-stage decision-making at the local level, we can build resilient communities that respond effectively to crises.

ALDA has embraced the ELDW theme with enthusiasm, actively engaging our network to foster citizen participation and champion the principles of Local Democracy. Citizen participation represents the base on which democratic systems are built. Ahead of the upcoming European elections, that will take place in 2024, it is extremely important to underline the fundamental role of active citizenship. 

We believe that ALDA’s commitment to this initiative, combined with the involvement of our extensive network, can make a powerful statement. 

Discover more about our commitment to local democracy, and engage with us through our YouTube videos: https://bit.ly/3Fptstv 

Our commitment to local democracy remains unwavering, and we are excited to be part of this important celebration, as we collectively contribute to building resilient communities and fostering democratic participation at the local level. Join us in celebrating the European Local Democracy Week and the enduring principles that underpin strong local democracies.

Are you a woman considering running for the next 2024 local elections in Türkiye, but are seeking support on how to embark on it?

Are you a Turkish CSO interested in bringing the voices and needs of women into local governance? You are working to support them, but you want further empowerment towards the next local elections to be at their side?

We are looking for you! Apply to participate in our free training sessions.

This programme is organised in the framework of our project WE ACT (“Women Empowerment and ACTion in Politics and Media”), funded by the European Union. All women who are considering running for office can apply irrespective of any specific requirements. The training is totally free of charge and participation is fully covered by the program, which will be offering political and media training to effectively prepare participants prior to the elections, and for them to feel totally confident running their campaign and potentially assuming their position as elected representatives. Interested women from all over Türkiye can review the call for participants and apply via this link.

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In addition, in the framework of the same project, we are also opening a Capacity building programme for Turkish civil society organisations working on women/Gender equality rights on the topic of Participatory Democracy, which will enable them to strengthen their knowledge and methods on how to intervene in local decision-making processes, and benefit from expert support and coaching in their participatory democracy actions. The program is also completely free of charge for these organisations. Interested organisations can review the call for CSOs apply via this link.

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What does the WE ACT Program offer exactly?

• 5 days in-person training for women candidates
• 4 days online training for women candidates

On the topics of:

• Candidacy Process and Effective Campaign Management
• Political Communication Strategies
• Media Visibility and Election
• 2 days in – person and 4 days online training for women candidates and CSOs

On:

• Coaching Capacity Building Programme on Participatory Democracy

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Apply now!

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Where will be the training take place?

Trainings will be implemented in the 7 regions of Türkiye, if selected, you will be invited to join the training implemented in the city that is the closest to you!

How to apply?

Read the full call for participants of WE ACT to have more information about the call and how to apply! The call has been launched on October 12, 2023.

Read the call for participants for women politicians (in Turkish) for the We Act Politics and Media Training 

Read the call for participants for Civil Society Organisations (in Turkish) for the We Act Training and Coaching Capacity Building Programme on Participatory Democracy

The WE ACT project is funded by the European Union.

The annual #EURegionsWeek, a preeminent event dedicated to cohesion policy, is currently underway in Brussels (Belgium) from October 9 to 12, 2023. This significant gathering provides a distinct platform for professionals and organisations to converge and deliberate on vital matters, including democracy, citizen engagement, and sustainable development. 

ALDA has also been an enthusiastic contributor to the event, facilitating two crucial debates that have garnered considerable attention.

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These debates are part of ALDA’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive and democratic governance in Europe

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The Revival of Urban and Rural Spaces for an Inclusive Europe

One of the highlights of the #EURegionsWeek was the engaging debate on “The revival of urban and rural spaces for an inclusive Europe,” held under the framework of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program. This initiative aims to promote equality, ensure democratic participation, and engage local or regional authorities in cross-border exchanges. Many of these exchanges have evolved into catalysts for the green agenda, integrating the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).

Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, took the stage to discuss how these twinning initiatives are helping transform urban and rural spaces in line with NEB principles. This workshop advocated for sustainability and inclusiveness, aligning perfectly with NEB’s core values. 

Community Engagement on Food and Climate Change through Young People’s Participation

The second noteworthy debate, titled “Community engagement on food and climate change through young people’s participation” was focused on the often-overlooked voices of the youth, who are determined to shape the future of their cities. ALDA, in partnership with an alliance of local authorities under the EU-funded Food Wave project, put the spotlight on youth participation. The goal was to empower young individuals as change-makers, emphasising the importance of their contributions to tackle themes such as food, climate change, and sustainability.

Ms. Valeria Fantini, Project Manager at ALDA and Coordinator of the Environment and Climate HUB, represented the organisation in this dynamic debate. She passionately conveyed the innovative format developed during the Food Wave project to promote youth participation and foster community engagement. The event proved that when young people are given a platform, they can be the driving force for positive change in their communities.

These debates have set the stage for thought-provoking discussions and have emphasised the vital role that organisations like ALDA play in driving democratic participation and sustainable development in Europe. ALDA continues to champion these causes, ensuring that the voices of young people and the potential for inclusiveness are at the forefront of European governance.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as ALDA continues to lead the way in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Europe.

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The Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE) Civic Engagement project is on a mission to ignite a transformation in youth involvement in democracy. Picture a future where the voices of youth echo through the corridors of power, as they play an active role in shaping the destinies of their communities and nations.

At its core, the WYDE Civic Engagement project aims to fund and implement national and transnational projects that champion youth civic engagement and participation across Sub-Saharan Countries.

The canvas for these projects is vast and impactful. The selected partners will lead the charge, implementing national and transnational projects that amplify youth civic engagement and participation. The focus? The Global South countries, with a special spotlight on Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Ready to be part of this transformative journey? The second phase of the WYDE Civic Engagement call for proposals is now open, and we invite you to seize this opportunity.

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The call for proposals received an astounding response, with over 780 applications flooding in

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But that’s not all! There is thrilling news to share. The call for proposals received an astounding response, with over 780 applications flooding in. After a meticulous evaluation process, the pre-selected NGOs who have shown remarkable potential are ready to be introduced:

• Network of Advocacy for Youth Empowerment – SIERRA LEONE
• Deaf’s Sustenance and Development Organization (DSDO) – TANZANIA
• Manluku Youth Development Initiatives – Tanzania (Mydia-tz) – TANZANIA
• Youth Lead – KENYA
• Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement (JVE) – CAMEROUN
• Voice for Change (VFC) – SOUTH SUDAN
• Peace Builders Coalition (PBC) – UGANDA
• Action for Democratic Governance (A4DG) – TANZANIA
• Kiwamirembe Youth Skilling Organisation (KYSO) – UGANDA
• Association Éveil et Conscience (AEC) – BURKINA FASO
• HUMANEES – CAMEROON
• AFRICAN INITIATIVE PROGRAMME/AIP – DR CONGO
• Association pour la Dignité de la Femme et de l’Enfant (APDFE) – DR CONGO
• C.A.O TOGO – TOGO
• Centre Afrika Obota-Burkina Faso (cao-bf) – BURKINA FASO
• Regroupement Panafricain des Associations des Étudiants au Cameroun (RAEC) – CAMEROUN – GABON
• Hope 4 Life Uganda – UGANDA – KENYA – ZAMBIA
• Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) – ZIMBABWE – TANZANIA – NAMIBIA

These organisations are set to play a pivotal role in advancing youth civic engagement and participation. To ensure their success, they will actively engage in capacity-building and coaching sessions organised within the project’s framework. These sessions will empower them to refine and strengthen their final proposals.

How to apply?

Read the full call for proposals of Women and Youth in Democracy initiativE Civic Engagement (WYDE Civic Engagement) to have more information about the call and how to apply! The call has been launched on April 3, 2023, and the second phase of the call will remain open until April 15, 2024.

If you are still looking for partners, we invite you to participate in the matchmaking virtual event which will take place by the end of January 2024. This event will help you find partners who can assist you in the design and implementation of your project activities. The aim of this virtual matchmaking event is to enable organisations that have a relatively low level of experience to develop their networking and benefit from shared experiences and support from other organisations. This will also help you prepare better proposals for the second call for proposals.

The WYDE Civic Engagement funding program is open to all African civil society organisations, regardless of their level of experience. This means that we will fund both experienced and inexperienced associations. As part of our support, we offer coaching and technical assistance to beneficiary organisations through training and mentoring programs based on their needs.

All participating organisations will be invited to describe their backgrounds and interests. Based on this information, we will highlight the needs and the potential connections that could be beneficial for the organisations. If you are interested in taking part in the event, please register here. Places are limited, only selected organisations will be invited.

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Text in French 🇫🇷

Si vous êtes toujours à la cherche d’organisation partenaire, nous vous invitons à participer à l’événement virtuel de mise en relation qui aura lieu fin janvier 2024. Cet événement vous aidera à trouver des partenaires qui peuvent vous accompagner dans la conception et la mise en œuvre de vos activités de projet.

L’objectif de cette rencontre virtuelle est de permettre aux organisations qui ont un niveau d’expérience relativement bas de développer leur réseau et de bénéficier des expériences et du soutien d’autres organisations. Cela vous aidera également à préparer de meilleures propositions pour cet appel à projets.

Toutes les organisations participantes seront invitées à décrire leurs parcours et leurs intérêts. Sur la base de ces informations, nous identifierons les besoins et les connexions potentielles qui pourraient être bénéfiques pour les organisations.

Si vous êtes intéressé(e) à participer à l’événement, veuillez-vous inscrire en utilisant ce lien.

(Les places sont limitées, seules les organisations sélectionnées seront contactées).

During the Solidarity Week, on Tuesday, October 3rd, ALDA had the pleasure of participating in the First European Volunteering Festival, an extraordinary event held at the Loggia del Capitaniato in Vicenza’s Piazza dei Signori (Italy) and organised by the Volunteering Service Center of the Province of Vicenza (CSV). The event brought together citizens united by their passion for the common good, solidarity, and collaboration, with the aim of valuing the skills of each participant, especially the most vulnerable. The Festival aimed to build bridges between cultures and experiences, demonstrating that volunteering generates a positive and lasting impact on Europe and beyond every day.

During the workshop “The value of training to enhance skills and opportunities for participatory design“, Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy, intervened highlighting the role of ALDA – at European and global level – as an active network in the promotion of training paths in the field of good governance and participatory processes in particular. Marco Boaria highlighted existing projects at European level with the aim of raising awareness of good practices in order to encourage the launch of new and innovative initiatives.

“Investing in continuous education and skill development allows us to be prepared for global challenges and to contribute to the economic growth, social well-being, and cohesion of the European Union,” stated Boaria. He also underlined that 2023 is the European Year of Skills, an initiative established by the European Commission. Its objective is to raise awareness among European institutions, Member States, social partners, businesses, and Union workers to invest in training and skills development. This is aimed at addressing labour shortages and empowering individuals to actively participate in ongoing labour market transitions through continuous education.

The workshop provided participants with the opportunity to explore the mobility opportunities that young people can leverage in this context, to work closely with organisations dedicated to the community and the promotion of social inclusion.

The First European Volunteering Festival represented a unique opportunity to raise awareness of local, regional and national volunteering initiatives. In addition to the presence of Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council, and Manuela Lanzarin, Councillor for Health of the Veneto Region, also Ramon Magi, President of Eurodesk Italy, who stressed the importance of creating a network of actors working in the field at European level, and who had the opportunity to share opportunities and promote active citizenship in this area. 

The initiative also involved the Local Eurodesk Points, the CSV, the European Volunteer Centre, the Veneto Region, the Centro Studio Progetti and Eurocultura, which made an important contribution to the event.

ALDA expresses gratitude for the invitation to this inspiring initiative and hopes it can become a regular gathering for solidarity and exchange.

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ALDA partecipa al primo “Festival del Volontariato Europeo”: il volontariato al centro di una società inclusiva

Nell’ambito della Settimana di Solidarietà, martedì 3 ottobre ALDA ha avuto il piacere di partecipare al primo Festival del Volontariato Europeo, uno straordinario evento tenutosi presso la Loggia del Capitaniato in Piazza dei Signori a Vicenza (Italia) ed organizzato dal Centro di Servizio per il Volontariato della provincia di Vicenza (CSV). L’evento  riunisce cittadini uniti dalla passione per il bene comune, la solidarietà e la collaborazione, con l’obiettivo di valorizzare le competenze di ciascun partecipante, specialmente il più vulnerabile. Il Festival mira alla costruzione di ponti tra culture ed esperienze, per dimostrare che il volontariato genera ogni giorno un impatto positivo e duraturo per l’Europa e non solo.

Durante il workshop “Il valore della formazione per accrescere le competenze e le opportunità di progettazione partecipata”, Marco Boaria, Direttore dei Programmi e Strategia Aziendale, è intervenuto valorizzando il ruolo di ALDA – a livello europeo e globale – come rete attiva nella promozione di percorsi formativi nel campo del buon governo e dei processi partecipativi in particolare. Marco Boaria ha messo in luce i progetti esistenti a livello europeo con l’obiettivo di far conoscere buone pratiche, al fine di incoraggiare l’avvio di iniziative nuove ed innovative. 

“Investire nella formazione continua e nell’aggiornamento delle competenze ci permette di essere pronti per le sfide globali e di contribuire alla crescita economica, al benessere sociale e alla coesione dell’Unione Europea.” – ha affermato Boaria, ricordando che il 2023 è l’Anno europeo delle Competenze, iniziativa istituita dalla Commissione Europea con l’obiettivo di sensibilizzare istituzioni europee, Stati membri, parti sociali, imprese e lavoratori dell’Unione ad investire nella formazione e nello sviluppo delle competenze, per superare la carenza di manodopera e responsabilizzare gli individui a partecipare attivamente alle transizioni in corso del mercato del lavoro attraverso la formazione continua. 

Il workshop ha dato la possibilità ai partecipanti di dare uno sguardo alle opportunità di mobilità che i giovani possono sfruttare in questo contesto, per lavorare a stretto contatto con organizzazioni dedite al territorio e alla promozione dell’inclusione sociale.

Il Primo festival del volontariato europeo ha rappresentato un’occasione unica per sensibilizzare sulla realtà locale, regionale e nazionale delle iniziative legate al volontariato. Oltre alla presenza di Roberto Ciambetti, Presidente del Consiglio Regionale del Veneto, e di Manuela Lanzarin, Assessore alla Sanità della Regione Veneto, sono intervenuti anche Ramon Magi, Presidente di Eurodesk Italia, che ha sottolineato l’importanza della creazione di una rete di attori che lavorano nell’ambito a livello europeo, e che avranno l’opportunità di confrontarsi per condividere opportunità e promuovere la cittadinanza attiva in questo ambito. 

L’iniziativa ha coinvolto anche i Punti Locali Eurodesk, il CSV, il Centro Europeo del Volontariato, la Regione del Veneto, il Centro Studio Progetti e Eurocultura, i quali hanno apportato un importante contributo all’evento.

ALDA ringrazia per l’invito a questa stimolante iniziativa che si augura possa diventare appuntamento fisso di scambio solidale. 

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At ALDA, we are deeply saddened by the recent catastrophic floods that have struck Libya. Our hearts go out to the people of Libya who are enduring this challenging time, and we want to express our sincere condolences to those affected by this natural disaster.

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In times of crisis, it’s essential that we come together as a global community to support one another

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In addition to the tragic flood in Libya, we are also mindful of the earthquake that recently shook Morocco. We’ve previously shared information on how you can extend your assistance and support to those impacted by this earthquake, and we continue to encourage everyone to contribute to these relief efforts.

Whether it’s Libya, Morocco, or any other region facing natural disasters, the compassion and generosity of individuals and organisations make a significant difference in helping communities rebuild and recover.

If you wish to contribute to relief efforts in Libya or Morocco or stay updated on ways to help, stay updated on our website or social channels, where we provide information on various initiatives and organisations working to provide aid to those in need. 

ALDA remains committed to providing support and resources during these challenging times, and we stand with the affected communities as they work towards recovery and resilience. Together, we can make a positive impact and help these regions rebuild stronger than ever before.

In a world where democracy, freedom, and human rights are constantly under scrutiny, organisations like ALDA play a crucial role in promoting democratic values. Mayor Ms. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz of Gdańsk(ALDA Member), who also chairs the CoR Working Group for Ukraine, recently emphasised the significance of such organisations during the 12th CORLEAP Annual Meeting held in Batumi, Georgia, on September 7, 2023.

Mayor Dulkiewicz’s words underscored the importance of non-governmental partners, organisations, and associations that direct their democratic efforts towards Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. Among these champions of democracy, ALDA stands out, particularly through its innovative concept of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which it implements in EaP countries.

One LDAs’ exemplary success story, according to Mrs. Aleksandra, is that of LDA Mariupol. Despite Russia’s seizure of this city, consistent international support has enabled it to continue functioning, thanks to the hospitality of other cities in Ukraine. 

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This remarkable resilience showcases the unwavering commitment of organisations like ALDA to promoting democracy and good governance in challenging environments

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ALDA’s dedication to supporting Ukraine and its people has been steadfast since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. In July 2023, the ALDA team convened in Brussels to meet with a delegation from the Ukrainian Parliament, supported by the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR). This meeting presented a valuable opportunity to introduce ALDA’s flagship initiative in Ukraine to Members of the Ukrainian Parliament, ministry representatives, and national associations of cities. Read more about this event here.

ALDA’s dedication is aligned with the fundamental values on which the European Union was founded, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. In Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to reclaim its land, freedom, and democracy, ALDA stands as a beacon of support, ensuring that these shared values remain at the forefront.

In a world where democracy is continually tested, ALDA’s role in strengthening democracy at the local level is a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and solidarity. Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz’s acknowledgment of ALDA’s contribution underscores the organisation’s invaluable role in promoting democracy, citizen participation, and the return to a free and peaceful Ukraine.

As we reflect on these efforts in the lead-up to Europe Day, it is essential to recognize and celebrate those who tirelessly champion the values that underpin our shared humanity. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during the spring of 2020, the Cultural Creative Sector (CCS) has been one of the hardest-hit industries. The increasing significance of entrepreneurship within the arts and culture sector is intricately linked to the rise of creative industries. In a society that does not promote cultural expression, young artists grapple with a dearth of opportunities in the job market, exacerbated by insufficient investments in their specific field. Emerging artists also function as entrepreneurs, and lacking essential skills in certain critical areas, they may face difficulties in establishing their own enterprises or pursuits and sustaining themselves. ALDA recognizes that nurturing independence in young individuals within the cultural and artistic sphere not only unlocks their potential but also aligns perfectly with its mission to empower youth by giving them the tools to shape their own future through creativity and self-determination.

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The Erasmus+ project “Create Up” has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector

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The Erasmus+ project, Create Up has the overarching aim to minimize unemployment in the creative sector while simultaneously furnishing effective strategies for enhancing relevant, high-caliber skills and competencies. 

Within this context, a comprehensive and in-depth research effort was undertaken to comprehend the specific competencies that individuals require to achieve success in their respective fields. 

The research hypothesis posited is as follows: “Aspiring artistic entrepreneurs encounter significant challenges in establishing themselves within their chosen artistic domain. The overarching thesis that the project seeks to substantiate and subsequently elaborate upon is as follows: The enhancement of essential competencies plays a pivotal role in increasing the likelihood of individuals becoming successful entrepreneurs and converting their creative abilities into sustainable careers”.

The project initiates its analysis by focusing on the EntreComp (european ENTREpreneurship COMPetence framework), which has been introduced by the European Commission. EntreComp offers a thorough representation of knowledge, abilities, and mindsets needed for individuals to exhibit entrepreneurship and generate economic, cultural, or social value for others. Within this analytical framework, Create Up’s primary aim is to identify the key competencies that hold the utmost importance and are particularly pertinent to the specific target group of creative adults.

The primary research within the Create Up project aims to uncover:

• The requirements and demands of creative adults.
• The educational programs they have previously undergone.
• The challenges they encountered during their educational background.

The results of this study can be seen in the two important tools that were used: questionnaire survey and focus group interviews.

1. The survey of creative adult entrepreneurs involved 122 young artists/entrepreneurs with different but similar backgrounds across six countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey. Regarding competencies based on the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, participants were asked to assess their strengths.
2. In the next phase of the primary research, 76 participants, primarily creative adults, were interviewed by project partners. These entrepreneurs were questioned about their careers, how they initiated their own businesses, and their level of success. The interviews primarily focused on entrepreneurial skills, encompassing their experience with EntreComp competencies and the significance of adopting a comprehensive strategy for building a progressive career. Respondents unanimously believed that creativity is innate and adequately nurtured in academies. Most respondents perceived a lack of understanding in financial, economic, and legal matters. Project management skills and communication skills were also identified as valuable for planning and organizing work effectively.

The results from this analysis lead the Create Up project to demonstrate the thesis that creative adults are struggling with becoming entrepreneurs, and in this scenario six competences were isolated within the EntreComp framework and selected as the most wanted in the entrepreneurial skills framework: spotting opportunities, financial literacy, mobilizing resources, coping with ambiguity and risk, vision, working with others.