Professional Services firm EY is proposing that entrepreneurs in G20 countries should have a multilateral visa providing them freedom to move between the economies of the G20 countries.

EY believe that a policy initiative of this nature could be an immediate catalyst to encourage entrepreneurship across the G20. They will make the recommendation when the G20 heads of state meet in November.

Whilst countries such as the UK and Canada already offer entrepreneur/start-up visas, these visas are primarily aimed at “national interest”. The “entrepreneurship visa” would look at encouraging entrepreneurship across borders. According to EY the further advantage of this initiative would be to stimulate international networking among entrepreneurs and provide opportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing. EY note that “an entrepreneur’s knowledge may be limited to their country, province or even community”.

For example, the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme – a European Union initiative – has facilitated 3 000 exchanges between 2009 and May 2015 enabling entrepreneurs to spend time in other EU countries and acquire new skills for managing small businesses.

EY further comment on the importance of developing a culture of entrepreneurship, and how important this is to the development of high impact entrepreneurial companies.

With specific reference to South Africa EY believe that whilst the Governments Small Business Ministry is welcome the real change will come through implementation and not “policy or the intention of government”. Outcome orientated tasks need to be established and these need to be constantly monitored.

Near term initiatives, such as the multilateral visa and entrepreneur network, will set the course for deeper changes in entrepreneurship culture, driven by education, over time.