Recent OECD data show that around one in ten people across member countries have no one they can rely on in times of need, underscoring the growing urgency of loneliness and social isolation. In today’s episode, we explore how one Parisian neighbourhood has decided to push back through the creation of a vibrant community movement that’s reshaping daily life.
Recorded with Patrick Bernard and Marion Lagadic, two active members of La République des hypers voisins (the Republic of Hyper-Neighbours), this conversation dives into how a small gathering in a local restaurant blossomed into a powerful neighbourhood network grounded in trust, conviviality, and mutual support. From organising a 1 500-person street banquet to creating WhatsApp groups that connect thousands of residents, Patrick and Marion share how intentional social ties can strengthen safety, wellbeing, and even help older neighbours remain in their homes.
Hosted by Amal Chevreau, Head of the Social Economy and Social Innovation Unit at the OECD, this episode also highlights the growing evidence on why community relationships matter, revealing how local initiatives can influence quality of life, reinforce social cohesion, and inspire new approaches to public policy.
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To learn more, visit the OECD’s Social economy and social innovation webpage. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation.html
Follow the great work of La République des Hyper Voisins on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/hypervoisins/?locale=fr_FR
https://www.instagram.com/hypervoisins/?hl=en
To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters
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18:44
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18:44
Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Dare to dream...YEPA panel special
Recent OECD data shows that less than 40% of young people aged 18 to 30 feel they have the skills and experience needed to start a business. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2019/12/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2019_668840b2/3ed84801-en.pdf In today’s episode, you’ll not only hear inspiring stories about young people who have turned their enterpreneurial dreams into realities, but we will discuss how youth entrepreneurship policies are helping bridge the skill and experience gap.
Recorded during the youth entrepreneurship policy academy (YEPA) Summit in Brussels, this session captures YEPA’s mission through an inspiring panel of three young entrepreneurs who share their journeys - including the highs, hurdles, and lessons learned. The discussion is moderated by Baptiste Mandouze, Social Economy Policy Officer at the European Commission, and features Adrian Davies, Elina Cohen-Periano, and Mateo de Bardeci. Let’s dive in and hear their stories.
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To learn more, visit the YEPA hub. https://yepa-hub.org/ Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html
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21:57
Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Joni Rakipi, in his own words
Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries.
This episode of OECD podcast features Joni Rakipi from ETH Zürich and is hosted by Shayne MacLachlan from the CFE. Joni, originally from Albania and now based in Zürich, explains deeptech as solving complex problems through scientific breakthroughs, emphasising its long-term impact. He highlights barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access for foreign nationals and regulatory hurdles, advocating for open doors and deregulation to foster innovation. The episode encourages young entrepreneurs and policymakers to engage with these insights. Tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in his own words.
As Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Shayne MacLachlan engages with policy issues concerning SMEs, tourism, culture, regions and cities to name a few. He has worked on a number of OECD campaigns including “Going Digital”, "Climate Action" and "I am the future of work".
Joni Rakipi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Management, Technology & Economics (METC) from ETH Zürich. He currently holds the role of Investor Connect Program Manager at ETH Zürich; an initiative of ETH Entrepreneurship aimed at connecting investors with spin-offs of ETH Zürich. From 2022 – 2024, he served as President at the ETH Entrepreneur Club. He is heavily involved in the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Switzerland and other neighbouring countries.
To learn more, visit the YEPA hub https://yepa-hub.org/
Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html
To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters
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15:55
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15:55
Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Elina Cohen-Peirano, in her own words
Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. In this episode of OECD podcasts, Alix Philouze chats to Elina Cohen-Peirano, CEO & founder of URONE and a young entrepreneur who founded her first company at the age of 17. They discuss all things youth entrepreneurship – from balancing entrepreneurship and studies to the policy challenges facing youth entrepreneurship and the legacy of the YEPA programme, tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in her own words.
Alix Philouze is a communications co-ordinator at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, where she works with both the SME and Entrepreneurship division and the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development division. She holds a degree in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
Elina Cohen-Peirano is a young serial entrepreneur driving systemic change in entrepreneurship education through Urone, her company which partners with academic, business and institutional actors across Europe. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship a lever for youth empowerment, innovation and inclusion. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), led by the OECD and the European Commission, contributing to international dialogue and policy action.
To learn more:
• The YEPA hub: https://yepa-hub.org/
• OECD work on inclusive entrepreneurship: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html
• The missing entrepreneurs: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html
To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters
#oecd #oecdpodcasts
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16:52
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16:52
Hope or hype: Can social innovation really deliver?
How can we turn great ideas into lasting social impact? In this episode of the OECD Podcast, Shayne MacLachlan speaks with Jeroen Jutte, Head of the European Social Fund Coordination Unit at the European Commission. They explore how the EU is using its flagship funding instrument to support and scale social innovation—from pilot projects in disadvantaged communities to multi-country initiatives reaching millions. With funding of over €2 billion dedicated to social innovation, the ESF+ offers a powerful model for using public investment to solve social challenges. Tune in to learn how Europe is taking ideas from the ground and turning them into lasting change.
To learn more on ESF+:
https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en
https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en/social-innovation
Discover the Local Development Forum: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.html
Read the report Starting, Scaling and Sustaining Social Innovation: Evidence and Impact of the European Social Fund: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/starting-scaling-and-sustaining-social-innovation_ec1dfb67-en.html
Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
Guest: Jeroen Jutte leads the European Social Fund Plus coordination unit in the Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG of the European Commission. He has also led units dealing with Romania/Bulgaria, the European Semester (EU economic governance), and one dealing with budget discharge as well as relations with the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Jutte is a macro economist by training.
To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html
How can we all help shape better policies for better lives? OECD Podcasts bring you insightful interviews with experts and well-known personalities on such pressing challenges as inequality and inclusive growth, the economy, jobs, the digital transformation, climate change, the environment, education, healthcare, tax, trade, international co-operation, and more.
NOTE: The opinions expressed and arguments employed in the content displayed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD, its Member countries, or any stakeholders who have contributed to or participated in any related work.
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