Organised innovation spaces: A key catalyst of youth entrepreneurship

Youth entrepreneurship is a growing phenomenon, particularly in regions like the Global South where high unemployment rates and lower aversion to risk drive young individuals towards entrepreneurship. However, successful entrepreneurship is not solely dependent on individual characteristics but also on the contextual conditions that shape opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs.  

Organised Innovation Spaces (OIS) are structured environments that facilitate the process of innovation by providing the necessary resources, tools, and support. These spaces can offer essential resources, tools, and support tailored to the specific needs and challenges of entrepreneurs within their ecosystem. By optimizing their resources, programs, and support systems based on a deep knowledge of the existing conditions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, OIS can strengthen their capability to foster a successful entrepreneurial landscape. Building on Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação's reflection and experience with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), as well knowledge acquired with the development of strategic studies and action plans for OIS, we argue that this endeavour can be achieved by utilizing frameworks like the GEM Entrepreneurship Framework Conditions to analyse the state of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and identify areas for improvement that can guide the development of new services and support activities.  

Ultimately, by understanding the entrepreneurship ecosystem limitations and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, OIS can contribute to the development of public policies and programs, working together with entrepreneurs to enhance the entrepreneurial environment.