Creating impacts through EU projects

The European Future Skills Institute is strategically positioned to harness the potential of EU-funded projects to revolutionize skills development and recognition across Europe. Leveraging public funding, EFSI aims to create substantial value by spearheading initiatives that bridge the gap between current workforce skills and future industry requirements.

Through EU-funded projects, EFSI commits to driving innovation in skills intelligence and recognition. We aim to develop tools and frameworks for recognizing a wide array of skills, from technical proficiencies to soft skills, ensuring that European professionals are versatile and industry-ready. Our projects are designed to be inclusive, targeting diverse demographics, including underserved communities, thereby promoting equal opportunities and enhancing social cohesion. By investing in these projects, EFSI not only contributes to individual career advancement but also bolsters Europe’s position as a global leader in workforce development and economic resilience.

Happy young couple of tourists with a European Union flag
European Union EU flag

Specialised expertise that strengthens funding proposals

At the European Skills Institute (EFSI), our focused approach centers on two pivotal steps in the skills lifecycle: Skills Intelligence and Skills Recognition. We position ourselves as the key facilitators in identifying emerging skill needs and officially acknowledging professional competencies.

In the realm of Skills Intelligence, EFSI excels in analyzing and forecasting evolving market demands. We leverage data-driven insights to pinpoint future skill requirements, ensuring that the European workforce remains ahead of the curve. Our expertise in this area guides educational institutions and policymakers, shaping curricula and strategies that are future-proof.

In the domain of Skills Recognition, we set the standard for validating and certifying a wide spectrum of professional abilities. Recognizing the diverse nature of skills in the modern workforce, EFSI provides a comprehensive framework for accrediting both formal and informal competencies. This recognition empowers individuals with tangible credentials, enhancing their mobility and employability across Europe.

By concentrating on these two areas, EFSI uniquely positions itself as a catalyst for both anticipating the future of work and affirming the value of diverse professional skills within the European labor market.

EU project integration

The European Future Skills Institute (EFSI) offers its expertise to EU projects through two distinct collaborative frameworks: as a full project partner (beneficiary) or as a subcontractor. Each modality presents unique benefits and potential limitations, which merit careful consideration by the consortium leader in consultation with EFSI to determine the most advantageous engagement strategy.

As a beneficiary, EFSI can provide substantial contributions throughout the project’s lifecycle. This includes active involvement in the identification of requisite skills and providing critical input during course development prior to the commencement of the evaluation and certification process. Given that course certification leverages the impartial expertise of external specialists, the integrity of the process remains intact, free from conflicts of interest.

Alternatively, engaging EFSI as a subcontractor is an option that aligns with projects seeking only EFSI’s specialized recognition services (evaluation and certification). In this capacity, EFSI operates as an independent entity, maintaining a degree of separation that may enhance the project’s structure within the proposal framework.

EFSI as beneficiary

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

EFSI as subcontrator

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Work package contributions and leadership

EFSI is uniquely positioned to lead work packages that deal with the identification of future skills for a particular target group. Together with partners who have access to the target group, we are designing and implementing empirical studies (taking into account and building upon the latest knowledge from desk research) that aim to determine and compare the current skill sets of graduates and workers, and what the labour market needs in the future.

In addition, EFSI can lead work packages that aim to recognise the course (materials) developed in EU-funded projects and/or the skills developed by individual learners.

Focusing specifically on skills intelligence (analysis) and recognition, EFSI does not deeply engage in the development of learning materials that address the identified skills gaps but focuses on the pre- and post-stages (namely analysis and recognition) with partners specialised in the industry sector or/or skill taking the lead in designing, developing and implementing skill enhancement materials and activities (e.g. learning materials or entire courses)

Analysis work package

Emphasizing our expertise in skills intelligence, we spearhead or provide substantial support in the initial phases of EU projects, aiming to generate pivotal insights and empirical evidence. This foundational work is instrumental in guiding the strategic trajectory and informed decision-making throughout the lifespan of these projects.

Evaluation and certification work package

Leveraging our specialization in skills recognition, we take the lead or offer significant support in activities centered around the certification of educational courses, as well as the formal acknowledgment of individual learners' skills. This involvement underscores our commitment to validating and elevating the value of professional competencies and educational achievements