In a constantly changing world, where innovation and autonomy are increasingly valued, how can we empower young people to shape their own paths? This is the mission of the SELF project, a European consortium funded by the Erasmus+ programme, in which the University of Aveiro (UA) plays a central role. The SELF project – Self-Learning Entrepreneurship Platform – aims to develop entrepreneurial and socio-emotional competences in higher education students, preparing them to become more autonomous, creative citizens who are ready to face personal and professional challenges.

The project brings together partners from several European countries, uniting universities, educational organisations, and companies through a collaborative approach. UA stands out for its dedication to creating educational resources that inspire young people to explore individual entrepreneurship – that is, the ability to design and manage their own projects. This theme is especially relevant in a world where the labour market values initiative, resilience, and the capacity to turn ideas into concrete actions.

Recently, UA concluded a major milestone in the project: Work Package 3 (WP3), focused on developing a training programme in individual entrepreneurship. This effort led to the creation of innovative educational materials, organised into modules and learning units, designed to be accessible, practical, and student-centred. Each module focuses on specific competences such as creativity, problem solving, or project management, and is based on the European EntreComp framework. These resources – available in multiple languages, including Portuguese – are offered in digital format and have been designed to meet real student needs, identified through prior analysis, while remaining easily adaptable by teachers and institutions.

UA played a key role in coordinating this process. The SELF-UA team led the organisation of the work plan, ensured the quality of content, and facilitated contributions from each partner to develop a coherent and relevant programme. In addition, UA monitored the implementation of WP3, promoting rigorous reviews to guarantee that the materials are clear, useful, and adaptable across educational contexts. The result is a set of tools that foster entrepreneurial competences and strengthen young people’s confidence to approach the future with a proactive mindset.

The project reflects UA’s commitment to developing more autonomous and responsible citizens, capable of contributing to a more dynamic and sustainable society. The resources created within the SELF project build a bridge between education and the real world, helping students develop an entrepreneurial vision that will support them throughout life.

Want to learn more about how the SELF project is transforming education? Visit the project website at www.solobiz.eu and explore the available resources to inspire your future!

Margarida M. Pinheiro margarida.pinheiro@ua.pt, on behalf of the SELF team at UA: Ana Torres, Graça Azevedo, Margarida M. Pinheiro. 
* Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), University of Aveiro