Since 1989, the Internet has progressed from read-only sites to the ultra-intelligent, open linked environment of today. Web 4.0. provides connections between humans and machines to create interactive data for the new, symbiotic Internet. The use of Web 4.0 in everyday activities helps symbiosis between humans and machines. With the use of intelligent data, virtual realities are becoming more and more common. Introducing RFID tags into appliances regularly found within a home helps make connections between humans and machines and these appliances and applications are becoming more intuitive to the users’ needs. Web 4.0 is also changing the future of business. RFID tags are being added to different businesses to help improve the experiences of shoppers. Web 4.0 is consumer driven, putting them firmly in the driving seat. The future of Web 4.0 is meant to revolutionise the daily lives of humans. By creating interrelationships between human and machine, Web 4.0 will give users unique and interconnected social and personal lives. This open, linked and intelligent interface will be the future of the Internet. It is a wide open development field awaiting the vision and creativity of a new cohort of creative entrepreneurs. The European Green Deal highlights ‘supporting industry to innovate’ as one of its key strands. Europe has always been the home of industry. Over time, industry has proven its ability to lead change. Now it must do the same as Europe embarks on its twin transition towards climate neutrality and digital leadership in an ever-changing world (EU Industrial Strategy, 2020). The CCI sector made a significant contribution in building the post-crisis economic landscape in Europe. In the aftermath of Covid-19, the development of this sector will once again be critical to restoring economic growth and employment. The “European Competitiveness Report 2010”, referred to the “transforming role” of the creative industries for the future of the EU economy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are deeply woven into the fabric of Europe. They are essential to Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity, as well as economic and technological sovereignty. With the SMEs Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe, the Commission wants to support and empower SMEs of all sizes and sectors, from innovative tech start-ups to traditional crafts. A recent survey found that 27% of digital native consumers don’t even possess a PC or laptop and consume digital content solely on a smartphone. eSMART will design and produce a bespoke, targeted entrepreneurship curriculum for young digital natives embarking on a career in the CCI sector as Web 4.0 entrepreneurs. Partners will use a combination of interactive infographics and EduZines to present this curriculum to potential learners. The EntreComp Framework will be used as a benchmark for developing the curriculum and all 15 competences in the EntreComp framework will be addressed. In addition, partners will develop a comprehensive suite of investment readiness learning materials specifically addressing Web 4.0 entrepreneurs that deal with a wide range of business issues that are fundamental to attracting loan or equity finance for fledgling businesses. The perception of creative businesses held by many financiers is that they are run by individuals with passion; that many are lifestyle businesses with low growth or scalable potential; that they rely on “flakey” business models; produce products and services that have no protect-able intellectual property; are very difficult to value; and are characterised by poor marketing and poor management skills. To counteract this, the proposed investment readiness learning materials will address how to; (1) present the creative entrepreneur and his/her management team - business management systems; strategic planning; financial management; marketing; (2) present the investment opportunity - how to effectively sell yourself and your product; understanding your product in the marketplace; alleviating investor/financier fears and concerns; (3) show that you have a relevant business model - routes to the market; estimating returns and revenues; vulnerability to competition and market change; (4) present the scalability of your creative product or idea and a true market valuation - market intelligence; competitive advantage; competitor analysis; (5) protect your intellectual property - understanding intellectual property; ownership of intellectual property; control of intellectual property assets. eSMART will also provide essential in-service training for VET tutors to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the symbiotic Internet and its potential for new business start-ups and more importantly, build their pedagogic and digital skills to help them harness the potential of online learning to deliver a high-quality VET service in the current Covid-19 context where traditional institution based provision is no longer viable.
Web 4.0 is also changing the future of business. Web 4.0 is consumer driven, putting them firmly in the driving seat. The future of Web 4.0 is meant to revolutionise the daily lives of humans. By creating interrelationships between human and machine, Web 4.0 will give users unique and interconnected social and personal lives. It is a wide open development field awaiting the vision and creativity of a new cohort of creative entrepreneurs. The proposed in-service training will address 3 specific issues: • tutors as learners themselves - in this training module tutors will learn about three different but related topics essential to the success of the eSMART project • tutors as facilitators of learning in remote, online environments - in this module tutors will examine different pedagogic approaches with a focus on challenge-based learning theory and how to use digital breakouts, online educational escape rooms and WebQuests as learning frameworks • tutors as developers of new digital media-rich learning resources and how best to present them to potential learners in appropriate online settings - in this module tutors will be introduced to open-source software
The BFI believes strongly in corporate social responsibility and therefore wishes to contribute to society by engaging in projects where the Institute's knowledge and experience can be of benefit in addressing key social issues such as key skills development. The project offers a unique opportunity to participate in shaping this future and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs for the challenges and opportunities of Web 4.0. As an innovative and visionary educational institute in the digital world, we see the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to succeed in an increasingly connected and technologically advanced environment. With the growing demand for digital literacy and entrepreneurial innovation skills, in today's rapidly changing economic landscape, it is critical that young people not only have the technical skills in Web 4.0, but also develop the entrepreneurial mindset to create innovative solutions to tomorrow's challenges. The Next Generation Web 4.0 Entrepreneurs project provides the platform to put this belief into action and make a lasting contribution to the development of the high-value knowledge economy.