A new study, “Changing skills for a changing world “, conducted by the European Training Foundation (ETF), presents recommendations for shaping policy response.

The report provides a unique perspective on skills needs in an evolving labour market in transition and developing countries. The first of its kind focusing on countries neighbouring the EU, including the Western Balkans, the study highlights common features in terms of emerging skills needs and the future of work across different countries.

The study is a collection of articles from researchers from the ETF and from countries including  Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Lebanon, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. It indicates that manufacturing, construction, and agriculture jobs are those most at risk of automation and digitalisation. Job polarisation is a recurring trend, increasing the gap between high and low skilled workers. Investments in digital infrastructure and the reshaping education systems are needed for countries to compete globally and adapt to emerging needs.

The European Training Foundation is an EU agency that helps transition and developing countries harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education, training and labour market systems, and in the context of the EU’s external relations policy.