Shaping Great Transformations in Germany: The Role of Youth Entrepreneurship Education (YEE)

Abstract

Climate change, the destruction of the environment, and resource scarcity—the developments associated with these phenomena are posing ever greater challenges for humanity today and require solutions, both in a regional context and at a global level. The sustainability debate has long dominated everyday politics in Germany and elsewhere. The need for comprehensive changes in attitudes, behavior, and rules is acknowledged, and people are—in principle—aware of the great challenges that lie ahead. Yet progress is very slow in setting the necessary course for the future, and, in the light of looming ecological tipping points, this can seem quite alarming. This paper addresses the question of how to generate significantly more implementation potential in our society and bring together what are often uncoordinated developments to achieve a truly “great transformation” toward more sustainable structures in business, society, and the environment. The focus is put on the significance of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and acting and its early, systematic manifestations. It is argued why appropriately designed, youth entrepreneurship education (YEE) could be an important factor in this context.