Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508267
IN recent decades, Europe has stood at the crossroads of im- mense technological advance- ments and a deeply significant green transition. These trans- formations, while promising new opportunities, are reshap- ing our labour landscape, often faster than our societies can ad- just. As with all progress, comes its set of challenges. Europe is currently navigating through labour market imbalances, a di- rect result of this rapid transi- tion. As we usher in the Europe- an Year of Skills 2023, I believe that it's a moment to reflect on this paradigm shift, recognising the labour market imbalances created by these rapid changes. First and foremost, let's talk about where the imbalances lie. A significant portion of Europe- an nations, including tech-savvy Finland and industrious Ger- many, are grappling with short- ages in technical and ICT skills. As industries move toward dig- italisation and more towards a greener economy, there's a mounting urgency to equip our citizens with the tools needed to thrive in this new world. Responding to these shortag- es requires a twofold approach: re-skilling and re-training. Take Spain, for instance, which has pioneered innovative vocation- al education programmes that intertwine classroom learning with on-the-job training. This balanced approach ensures that theory meets practice, produc- ing graduates ready for the real world of work. In Malta, for instance, the dig- ital sector is booming. However, the demand for ICT profession- als far outstrips supply. And we must question: How do we bridge this gap to ensure that our financial and non-financial sectors continue to improve their productivity and compet- itiveness in Europe and around the world? The answer is multifaceted. Emphasising re-training and re-skilling is crucial to this tran- sition. As the digital age engulfs us, a significant portion of our workforce finds their skills be- coming obsolete. We need tar- geted programmes, like those initiated in Malta's Lifelong Learning Strategy, which fos- ters an environment of contin- uous learning. Apprenticeships, too, are an avenue ripe for exploration. Germany's robust apprentice- ship programmes, where near- ly two-thirds of young adults participate, offer an exemplary model. These initiatives not only offer hands-on experience but also foster a culture where continuous learning is revered. Yet, as Europe grows more interconnected, our solutions must also transcend borders. And that is where the Europe- an Parliament, and all other European institutions should be directly involved to ensure a balanced approach between dif- ferent regions, member states and industries. We should strive for cross-bor- der matching in occupations, especially in sectors with glar- ing talent shortages. A Danish engineer might be the solution to an Italian firm's needs, and a Maltese IT expert might be the missing link for a start-up in Portugal. A European conversation about the future would be re- miss without addressing the green and digital transforma- tion that we are expecting to go through in the coming years and decades. Policies that foster green growth and digital adap- tation by the entire populace are imperative. Look at Swe- den's push towards a circular economy, emphasizing re-man- ufacturing, re-use, and repairs. Their vision forecasts a spike in local jobs by 2030, reflecting a European-wide potential if we channel our energies correctly and collaboratively between us all as member states of the EU. Investment in R&D and the creation of innovation clusters are also pivotal. Europe's com- mitment to becoming a leader in areas like energy transition, da- ta and digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing neces- sitates robust investment across all member states, not least in Malta. France's tech-centric 'La French Tech' initiative, which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and designers under one umbrella, hints at the in- novation that arises when mul- ti-faceted stakeholders come together. Such multi-stakeholder in- volvement must extend fur- ther. The intertwining of busi- ness angel networks, training centers, universities, business- es, NGOs, and the general pub- lic, such as seen in the Neth- erlands' Brainport Eindhoven model, demonstrates the holis- tic approach required. As the Dutch have shown, harnessing the strengths of diverse groups is paramount in moulding our collective future. Furthermore, in an intercon- nected Europe, we must look beyond our borders. Cross-bor- der matching, like the collab- oration between Maltese tech firms and their counterparts in other European nations, can ad- dress immediate skill shortages while long-term solutions are forged. The green and digital transfor- mations present a two-pronged approach. On one side, we have the imperative to incorporate digital adaptation across our population, ensuring every- one from Gharb to Marsaxlokk is digitally literate. Simulta- neously, Europe's ambitious Green Deal underscores the importance of shifting towards a circular economy. By 2030, EU member states can envi- sion a surge in jobs centred on re-manufacturing, re-use, and repairs at both local and region- al levels. But dreams need fuel, and our fuel is investment, both by the private sector and also by the national Governments, includ- ing the Maltese government. Directing resources into R&D and cultivating clusters of inno- vation, especially in fields like advanced manufacturing, are paramount. Crafting the future isn't a task for policymakers alone. It de- mands a concerted effort, draw- ing in diverse stakeholders. In Malta, the symbiotic relation- ship between institutions like the University of Malta, the Malta Enterprise, start-ups, and NGOs showcases how collabo- rative efforts can yield tangible outcomes. Yet, amidst these ambitious plans on a European level, lie potential pitfalls. And as a Member of the European Par- liament, and Vice President of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parlia- ment, my biggest challenge is to keep myself continuously updated with all these changes and their impact on European citizens in their daily routines. As automation advances, it's our male counterparts, those with lower education, and those in manual, routine jobs who stand most vulnerable. This isn't just a Maltese concern but a pan-European one. Thus, our policies should not just focus on addressing the now but en- suring the future isn't mired in unintended disparities and in larger inequalities. For true success, our Europe- an R&D and skills investments need to translate into high-qual- ity jobs that satisfy our people's aspirations, now and especially in the near future. Jobs that of- fer not just monetary compen- sation but a sense of purpose and direction in an ever-chang- ing world, while ensuring that people feel secure and protect- ed. We stand on the cusp of an era where Europe's next chapter in history will be written. It's a story that needs us all – every stakeholder, every citizen – to be its authors. With the prom- ise of tomorrow beckoning, let's shape it into one of prosperity, inclusivity, and enduring value for everyone in Europe and be- yond. 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 SEPTEMBER 2023 OPINION Alex Agius Saliba is a Labour MEP (S&D Group) Alex Agius Saliba Shaping Europe's high-value economic future OPINION Europe's commitment to becoming a leader in areas like energy transition, data and digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing necessitates robust investment