Final Report of the Expert Group - European Commission - Europa

The main objectives of this activity were:− To make an inventory of different methods and providers of these programmes;− To offer concrete examples of student company programmes, and show how these can besuccessfully implemented;− To identify success factors, and possible obstacles and difficulties;− To highlight good practice in promoting these activities (i.e. support from national or localadministrations);− To gather information in order to estimate the rate of penetration of student companies insecondary education (e.g. number of schools and pupils participating);− To propose a strategy and relevant policy measures for increasing the application of theseprogrammes.This activity made it possible to detect different programmes across Europe, and also toidentify possible strengths and weaknesses. Raising the awareness of these methodologiesshould be another important effect of this Report. In this sense, among the primarybeneficiaries of this project would be the schools and the Ministries (Economy/Industry andEducation). The action should have a strong impact in supporting policy and decision-makingat various levels affecting secondary schools.This activity was open to EU Member States, Candidate Countries and EFTA/EEA countries.In addition to 21 EU Member States, also Romania, Turkey and Norway have decided toparticipate in this activity.An Expert Group was created for the implementation of this project. National governmentswere asked to designate an expert. Representatives from some of the main internationalnetworks promoting these programmes have been also invited to participate (the complete listof Experts appears at the beginning of this paper).The tasks of this group were: to bring together the necessary expertise; to provide informationand data on existing programmes; and, lastly, to ensure cooperation and an active involvementin the project by the national administrations of the participating countries.Experts were asked to provide both qualitative information (identification of differentproviders and programmes, examples of good practice, etc.) and quantitative data (e.g.number of schools using these programmes and number of students participating).1.3. Definition of a student companyThis survey has examined methodologies based on practical experience and interaction.This included both student companies selling real products or services and virtual or practicefirms, provided that the simulation is sufficiently realistic and that certain criteria are met.Programmes limited to virtual applications (i.e. computer simulations) that are not supportedand integrated by team-working and by interaction - within and outside the schoolenvironment - have therefore not been considered.Hence, one of the first tasks of the expert group was to agree on a number of criteria thatdefine whether a programme or methodology should be included in the scope of thisinvestigation.13