The Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), initiated by the European Commission and the OECD, is a learning network that brings together policymakers, program managers, young entrepreneurs, networks, and researchers. Our senior researcher Eva Heckl is one of several experts from Austria who are members of the network. She represents the research perspective.

YEPA has developed five action-oriented policy guidelines. These offer forward-looking recommendations with a concrete catalog of measures and case studies.

The guidelines include:

• opening doors to all promising talent and designing practical support,
• providing young entrepreneurs with the necessary financial resources,
• promoting young entrepreneurs who are driving the green and digital economy,
• planning robust monitoring and evaluation of support programs, and
• improving networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Between 2023 and 2025, YEPA organized more than 20 events to discuss topics such as access to finance, building entrepreneurial skills, and strengthening policy-making. The policy guidelines published in December 2025 are the result of these events.

The document provides general guidance on how to increase the relevance and effectiveness of policy interventions for the target group. Stakeholders can use it as a basis for policy dialogues with national and regional decision-makers and apply the insights gained in their work and projects.