Students from the University of Glasgow, Columbia University in New York City and Dunbartonshire schools embark on a new entrepreneurship development summer programme that will equip them with entrepreneurial skills and experiences and, at the same time, support the development and growth of Scottish businesses and help create increased prosperity.

The programme, called Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE), is unique as it encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to business growth projects with 16 Dunbartonshire businesses through an innovative, entrepreneurial approach.

The EDGE programme was formally launched yesterday 19 June 2005 at a reception held at the University of Glasgow, attended by the participating students, businesses and their guests. Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Services Reform, Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, and Professor Steven Beaumont, Vice Principal for Research & Enterprise at the University of Glasgow addressed the audience to officially launch EDGE.

Professor Steven Beaumont, said: 'The new programme is a fantastic opportunity for University students from Glasgow to develop their skills in enterprise, consultancy, teamwork and leadership. Working with these key skills will aid their employability and could potentially spark an entrepreneurial idea that they can progress.

"The University remains committed to working with local small to medium enterprises through a number of initiatives. The Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) encourages students to become involved in enterprising activity from an early stage.

"Through the 'Dialogues' initiative the University has been working with businesses to allow them to access the knowledge and expertise base in areas as diverse as innovative technology developments and specialist high-tech equipment to student consultancy projects, business training and incubation. The EDGE programme should compliment these goals, and I am delighted that the University is on board.'

Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform, said: "The Scottish Executive is delighted to support the EDGE programme through our Fresh Talent and Determined to Succeed initiatives. We must act now to address Scotland's declining population and we must invest in young people to ensure the future economic prosperity of our country.

"This programme recognises the benefit in exchanging ideas and experiences for enterprise. It brings together the skills and knowledge of students from Columbia University, with our own, home grown talent from the University of Glasgow and pupils from Dunbartonshire schools."

"To ensure the future economic prosperity of our country, we must continue to build on the skills and talents already available and attract bright, hard working individuals by showcasing Scotland as a premier destination to live, work and study."

EDGE will be delivered by Columbia University and the University of Glasgow supported by Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, Careers Scotland and Business Gateway with additional input and case study material provided by local entrepreneurs and other guest speakers. Prior to working with the businesses, students will attend an initial two week immersion course.

Students will be placed in one of eight consultancy teams with each team working on two company project assignments during the six week period for completion of practical work as well as producing a viable business plan for a new start business. Students will be expected to work in agreed roles as members of entrepreneurial consulting teams. The project teams will aim to provide fresh, creative insights to achieving performance breakthroughs for their client companies.

Individual students will be asked to complete personal learning logs and will have the opportunity periodically for personal and group based review and reflection in both their project team groups and geographic groups.

In addition to the learning activities, EDGE also has a cultural exchange element to promote Scotland to the overseas participants as an attractive place to live, work and do business. The cultural element also exposes all participants to an alternative perspective on enterprise, encouraging in the Scottish participants a more positive outlook on enterprise as a viable career option in the longer term and fostering new international links for all participating individuals and businesses.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further details contact the University Press Office on 0141 330-3535.

Photography of the reception held on 19 June 2005 at the University of Glasgow is available on request from Ruth Andrew, Scottish Enterprise, on 0141 228 2717 or 07768 615 154.

First published: 20 June 2005