Webinar recap: Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for empowerment and inclusion: MIR Foundation delivers high-impact Masterclass for women in industry
The Foundation for Management and industrial research (MIR foundation) successfully implemented the “European Masterclass- Empowering women in industry: Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for change”, bringing together women from industry, innovation, and STEM-related fields to explore how entrepreneurial thinking can unlock leadership, autonomy, and systemic change. This webinar is part of the series of webinars which are implemented in the framework of the EMPOWERING project.
Rooted in the key concepts presented in the Masterclass and aligned with Europe’s growing focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, the training offered participants practical tools, inspiration, and a pathway to strengthen their presence in industrial ecosystems. The Masterclass highlighted how entrepreneurship goes far beyond launching a business. It can serve as a vehicle for empowerment, especially for women navigating structurally male-dominated sectors.
In this 60-minute online session, Prof. Thomas Cooney, a leading European expert and advisor in entrepreneurship education and inclusive entrepreneurship, shared valuable insights into how entrepreneurial thinking can transform the role of women in industry.
Through sessions, everyday examples, and guided Q&A, the programme emphasized:
✔ Entrepreneurial thinking was introduced as a way to act early, respond proactively, and design solutions rather than wait for change to happen;
✔ The sessions supported women in strengthening communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and self-leadership — all essential competences for stepping into visible roles across industrial and tech sectors;
✔ Through open discussion and shared experiences, the Masterclass addressed systemic constraints such as lack of networks, funding challenges, stereotypes, and limited representation;
✔ From business modelling and innovation planning to ecosystem mapping and mentoring pathways, the Masterclass gave concrete tools that participants can directly apply in their organisations, start-ups, or future ventures.
Women strengthened their leadership confidence and entrepreneurial mind-set. The sessions stimulated peer learning and community building. Participants reported increased motivation to step into leadership roles. The Masterclass contributed to a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient regional innovation ecosystem.
Through the EMPOWERING – M-Women in Industry initiative, MIR Foundation continues to enable learning, growth, and gender-balanced participation in sectors where women remain underrepresented.
By combining local expertise with European good practices — from WEgate to Women TechEU — MIR foundation continues to position women not only as participants in industry, but as key drivers of transformation, creativity, and sustainable growth.
The EMPOWERING project (EMPOWERING – EmpoweRING M-women in industry) is dedicated to millennial women (born between 1980 and 1995) working in the manufacturing industry, with the mission of supporting their professional education, skill enhancement, and career development opportunities. Our aim is not only to strengthen your position in the industry but also to promote European collaboration and networking, which are key to achieving success in today’s world.
A standout feature of the EMPOWERING project is its commitment to inclusivity and wide reach. All project results and resources are available in seven languages (English, French, Macedonian, Italian, Polish, Norwegian, Ukrainian) to ensure that a diverse range of participants can access and benefit from the project’s offerings. This multilingual approach significantly broadens the project’s impact, catering to the needs of women from various linguistic backgrounds and fostering a more inclusive environment.
EMPOWERING project is an innovative initiative, driven by a consortium of five experienced European organizations, each bringing their unique expertise in adult education, women’s empowerment, and new technologies. This collaborative effort includes:
- IPRA/MEDEF – France
- Fundacja Digital Creators -Poland
- Confindustria Toscana Servizi – Italy
- European Centre for Women and Technology – Norway
- Foundation for Management and industrial research – Macedonia
