Entrepreneurship is one of the areas where we can introduce a global dimension in the whole process from the conception of an entrepreneurial idea to its implementation with little effort. The introduction of the global dimension is all the more important if we want to tackle entrepreneurship in a sustainable and ethical way and contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals. To be therefore part of the solution, not the problem. “Strengthening the global dimension into entrepreneurship. Handbook for educators” seeks to integrate global citizenship education or global education into school entrepreneurship clubs.

The handbook is intended for educators in entrepreneurship, mentors of entrepreneurship clubs and other interested parties. It envisions the introduction of a global dimension into entrepreneurship clubs, covering six selected areas: global challenges in general, environmental degradation, gender equality, fair trade, decent work and child labour, and the impact of business on space. The authors selected the topics as the initial package of topics that should be addressed in entrepreneurship clubs in order for young people to develop entrepreneurial ideas oriented toward sustainability.

By demonstrating the good and bad practices of the companies, the handbook seeks to shed light on a situation in which we found ourselves also due to uneven and often unsustainable economic development. In the last section, it presents the guidelines for operating a business in a sustainable way with simple examples that allow concrete transfer of the guidelines to any business or entrepreneurial idea. The handbook is also accompanied by examples of lessons that allow educators to carry out activities in entrepreneurship clubs, and with some adjustment also in other educational settings.

Today, the global dimension interweaves all areas of our lives. Every decision has global implications nowadays. Humans live and work under the same sky, breathe the same air and are co-responsible for the global challenges that are the reality of today’s globalized world. Climate change, migration, uneven economic development and more could be listed. Entrepreneurship is one of the areas where we can introduce a global dimension in the whole process from the conception of an entrepreneurial idea to its implementation with little effort.

The basis and need for such inclusion can also be found in the Sustainable Development Goals, the historic agreement of the international community to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, ensure progress and protect the environment for present and future generations, adopted by the countries of the whole world on 25 September 2015, including Slovenia.

At the same time, a clear need to integrate learning for global citizenship stems from the global situation we are in. The “business as usual” approach to entrepreneurship has ceased to work long ago, and global awareness and recognition of interdependence at all levels of our lives needs to be strengthened. As the civil rights activist Martin Luther King, said, when you eat your breakfast, you are dependent on half of the world. Cocoa form Ghana, coffee from Ethiopia, palm oil of Indonesia … Who is involved in the network of products and economic flows and how? As an entrepreneur, do I think about the impact I have on all stakeholders in the process of designing and implementing my entrepreneurial idea? Is my entrepreneurial idea sustainable? Are entrepreneurship and sustainable development compatible at all?


The handbook was developed as part of the project Globalna odgovornost za prihodnost (Global responsibility for the future), financed by Global Education Network Europe GENE and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Slovenia. The content of the handbook expresses opinions of the authors and does not represent the official position of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.logotipi ustvarjanilnik