New Commission report on the impact of digitisation on the world of work in the EU
Today the Commission’s science and knowledge hub, the Joint Research Centre, launched its latest report, ‘The changing nature of work and skills in the digital age’. The report offers an evidence-based analysis of the impact of technology on labour markets and the need to adapt education policies to boost digital skills. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport, responsible for the Joint Research Centre, said: “Work and skills requirements are evolving rapidly as a result of technological progress, creating pressing policy challenges for the EU. Robust evidence is the first step to design future-proof policies that ensure everyone can use new technologies in a confident, creative and safe way. Today’s report contributes to informing important initiatives I have launched over the past five years such as the Digital Education Action Plan and the European Education Area.” Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility added: “Technology changes labour markets by creating new forms of work. Intel on how this will affect workers is crucial to make sure that workers are equipped with the right skills on the one hand, and continue to be protected on the other. During my mandate I have worked hard to promote skills development, to guarantee access to social protection for all and to make sure all workers get predictable and transparent working conditions. We need to continue building on these achievements to ensure our labour and social policies are fit for purpose in the 21st century labour market.” The EU is responding to the challenge by prioritising education and Europe’s social dimension as reflected among others by the European Pillar of Social Rights that was proclaimed in November 2017 by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. In 2018, the Commission launched its Digital Education Action Plan, a key part of the European Education Area. The EU has also been rolling out concrete initiatives that help people thrive in a digital world, including the Skills Agenda for Europe, new EU rules on transparent and predictable working conditions and a Council Recommendation on access to social protection. Finally, as part of the future long-term EU budget (2021-2027), the European Commission has proposed a €9.2 billion Digital Europe Programme to respond to the arising digital challenges. More information on today’s report is available online.
