The Project
ENTREPUBL (Entrepreneurial and Digital Competences for Public Sector Employees) was a European project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme and implemented from 2022 to 2025 by a consortium of 8 organisations across 6 countries. The project responded to the urgent need to modernise public sector skills in a rapidly changing digital and economic landscape.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of public services, revealing both the potential and the limitations of existing systems. Public administrations faced growing pressure to innovate, deliver better services, and respond to complex social and environmental challenges, all while working within rigid structures and limited resources.
Yet, as studies from the OECD and the World Economic Forum highlight, the public sector often struggles to empower its employees with the skills and mindset needed for innovation and resilience. While much emphasis is placed on digital upskilling, there is a significant gap in promoting transversal competences—such as creativity, initiative, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking—within public institutions.
ENTREPUBL addressed this gap by designing and delivering a comprehensive training model that supports public employees to think entrepreneurially, act proactively, and work across silos to improve public services. At the same time, the project equipped VET trainers and institutions with the tools, content, and certification needed to provide high-quality, flexible learning solutions to civil servants.
The training programme, available in seven languages and delivered via a user-friendly digital platform, combines entrepreneurial competences (EntreComp) and digital competences (DigComp) into a tailored learning journey for public employees. The content is modular, self-paced, and accessible via desktop or mobile app, allowing professionals to build relevant skills around their existing work schedules.
Over 1,100 learners participated in the programme during the project period, with more than 950 digital credentials issued and over 129 VET trainers engaged. The project also developed:
- A certification scheme for VET trainers,
- A Trainer’s Area with guidance and resources,
- A Policy Recommendations Paper and annex,
- A downloadable summary training version promoted via EPALE,
- A LinkedIn-based Community of Practice for ongoing peer learning.
ENTREPUBL challenged the outdated notion that entrepreneurship belongs only in the private sector. Instead, it promoted a broader understanding: entrepreneurship is a mindset and a method for creating value—including within public services. By debunking myths and introducing practical tools, the project supported public employees in taking initiative, solving problems creatively, and collaborating effectively to better serve citizens.
The ENTREPUBL methodology is transferable across regions and institutions. It is designed to be scalable, policy-relevant, and aligned with EU frameworks for adult learning and public sector transformation. Today, the ENTREPUBL platform and training offer remain available as open-access resources for institutions, trainers, and individuals seeking to develop modern, responsive public services through upskilling and innovation.