Europe’s creative industries are rich in talent, but struggle to scale and sustain themselves in a fast-changing global market. While technical and artistic skills are strong, entrepreneurial mindsets remain underdeveloped, leaving many professionals unprepared for freelance realities, startup ventures, or intrapreneurial opportunities inside studios.
About the Research
Paneurama’s second research report following ‘Work Environment Dynamics and Soft Skills in Animation, Games and VFX Industries’ (2024) and ‘Towards Maturity: Guidelines and Recommendations’ (2025), explores the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in shaping the future of Europe’s animation, games, and VFX industries. Conducted through 40 interviews across 12 European countries, the research investigates:
- How professionals, educators, and students conceptualise entrepreneurship.
- How education aligns (or doesn’t) with industry needs and EU policy.
- What opportunities and challenges exist for nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets.
Entrepreneural Competencies are Vital
Key findings show a paradox: while industry and education both recognise entrepreneurial competencies as essential, they are often treated as optional extras rather than core skills. Packed curricula, employability metrics, and limited resources mean few students engage deeply with entrepreneurship during their studies.
Yet, the report highlights a growing consensus: entrepreneurial competencies (from spotting opportunities and mobilising resources to managing risk) are vital for all professionals, not just founders. These skills build resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to navigate careers in industries defined by project-based structures and global competition.
This research connects directly to Paneurama’s broader mission: bridging education and industry through Innovation Labs, the Online SkillBASE, and annual reports that turn research into practical tools for students, educators, and companies.
Additional Resources
Alongside the written research, report author, Silke Haßreiter, joined the BUas Games Grinset podcast to unpack the findings in more detail – exploring why entrepreneurial skills matter, where education is falling short, and how students and young professionals can prepare for project-based futures.
