
Mario Draghi’s report, the Future of European Competitiveness, succinctly set out the problem facing the European Union. It has one of the best skilled workforces in the world and invests vast amounts every year in the education and skills of its population, but this is not sufficiently reflected in its global economic competitiveness. Something must change.
Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (FGB) Knowledge Apéro will start by scrutinising some of the usual skill-based explanations for the Europe’s current economic position – too many people qualified and experienced in things for which there is insufficient demand – but move beyond this to provide a more nuanced exploration of what may be really happening. Diagnosis and measurement need to precede prescription.
Speakers from four Horizon Europe projects – MOBI-TWIN, Re-Place EU, PREMIUM_EU and SkillsPULSE, – will share their approaches to diagnosing and measuring skill needs in Europe: from mapping workforce mobility and regional attractiveness, to measuring quality of life, modelling policy impacts, and developing innovative ways to match skills with emerging needs. This forms a basis for thinking about what needs to happen next. Each respective Horizon Europe project can contribute something novel to addressing this issue and, in doing so, make a positive contribution to the Union for Skills.
AGENDA
Opening words:
- Liga Baltina, Head of Labour Market and Skills Research, FGB Brussels office
Introducing the theme and moderation:
- Prof. Terence Hogarth, University of Warwick
Speakers :
- Anastasia Panori, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Jennifer McGarrigle, University of Lisbon
- Becky Arnold, Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute
- Lukasz Arendt, Lodz University, Poland
Knowledge Apéro is an after-work informal gathering with invited guests for sharing discussion and wine. Networks bring inspiration, multiplying the dimensions of value generated by individuals, institutions, and companies.
Registration required.
- Date: 14th October, 18:00-20:00 CET
- Location: FGB Brussels office. 19a Avenue Marnix
Please note that FGB’s Brussels office is located in a historic building which regrettably has some architectural barriers – namely steps at the entrance and very small lifts – and is not fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
This event is part of the European Regions Week 2025 – Close to You initiative. The EURegionsWeek organisers do not process any participant data for these sessions, and are not responsible for their content.




