Forthcoming EU Plans on Competitiveness: Will They Match the Rhetoric?
In an op-ed article published on 3 March 2025 in Research Professional News, Orla Feely (President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin) highlights the crucial role of education, research, and innovation in the European Commission’s Union of Skills proposal, calling for bold investments and policies to equip Europe with the talent needed to drive competitiveness, security, and sustainability.
Please find below a summary of the main provisions of the publication:
Competitiveness remains the EU’s top priority. Mario Draghi’s report (September 2023) emphasized its critical importance, especially amid geopolitical and technological changes.
In January, the European Commission introduced the Competitiveness Compass, outlining three strategic pillars: innovation, decarbonization, and security. The next milestone is the Union of Skills, set to be published soon, aiming to address labor shortages, particularly in STEM fields, as nearly 80% of SMEs struggle to find qualified workers.
European universities and research institutions play a crucial role in talent development, translating research into practical solutions, and maintaining Europe’s leadership in science and technology. The next long-term EU budget (2028-2034) will be a key factor that should place research, innovation, and technology at the economy’s core.
To achieve these goals, the EU must:
- Strengthen Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) with increased funding.
- Align the labor market with educational programs and industry needs.
- Expand initiatives like European university alliances as hubs for new approaches to skills development.
- Remove barriers to skills recognition and enhance mobility within the EU.
Overall, the Union of Skills should be the driving force behind talent development, scientific progress, and Europe’s global competitiveness. Achieving this requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and academia.
