Since 2016, I have contributed to multiple projects/papers in the European policy sphere. The following excerpts summarize the challenges addressed and outcomes delivered.
Policy report: Promoting online training opportunities for the workforce in Europe (Oct 2019)
In 2019, enterprises are facing great challenges related to digital transformation of the economy. In addition, regulatory and market requirements to meet the United Nations sustainability targets by 2030, demand a significant shift in the environmental footprints of enterprises and their business processes. These megatrends will have a considerable impact on skills and their implications for the workforce and the future of work. The changes driven by artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, as well as globalisation and key topics such as demographics, diversity, gender equality and social inclusion, necessitate better and greater training opportunities for all. Moreover, these should be made accessible throughout the entire professional life. Upskilling and reskilling strategies will be crucial for competitiveness, growth and jobs. However, lifelong learning does not yet have clear delivery and funding models to ensure massive adoption. Furthermore, there is still no agreement on how to provide lifelong learning for all. It should not be surprising: the question of funding for primary, secondary and higher education has been one of the thorniest political topics in the 20th century. Creating the conditions for making lifelong learning and employability a reality will be a crucial topic in the 21st century. Achieving this goal will provide a competitive advantage in the global competition for talent and in the search for social cohesion.
Policy report: Curriculum guidelines for Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) (Feb 2019)
Advanced manufacturing has a high priority on the political agenda of the European Union, as a key enabler that will lead European society towards a higher industrial competitiveness, sustainable growth and job creation, and improved societal well-being. The AMT domain, including robotics and other forms of automation and material processing devices and machines, is increasing in capability and widening its potential application to low volume, niche and SME-friendly manufacturing opportunities. The ongoing developments have direct implications for the skill requirements, and there is a clear need promote better policies, measures and initiatives at all levels by fostering transparency, increasing awareness and sharing good practices. Specifically, there is a need to reconsider the current approach towards the education and training of AMT professionals and to develop new/advanced models that would be better aligned with the needs of both employers and (future) employees.
Magazine article: Digital Technology and Sustainability: Positive Mutual Reinforcement (Aug 2018)
In traditional industrial terms, digital technology and environmental sustainability seem mutually exclusive. The factors that propel them are unrelated. One is driven by sweeping technological change brought about by the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics, all promising to transform global manufacturing, industrial processes, and labor. The other is driven by a combination of climate and environmental degradation and geopolitical instability, all of which demand a new approach that prioritizes resource conservation and environmental governance — and in particular redoubled efforts to de-carbonize the atmosphere. But the two concepts, digital technology and environmental sustainability, are often mutually reinforcing. And we would go further: Without digital technology, it is hard for companies to ease their pollution footprint or manage waste. Without a full understanding of sustainability, the energy drawn by computers can be wasted. Bringing digital prowess and sustainable practices together should be at the forefront of strategic thinking for any business — as a way to differentiate itself and gain long-term viability among customers, regulators, and the communities where businesses operate. In fact, it may even be essential.
Policy report: Cross-cutting business models for IoT (Feb 2018)
The study Cross-cutting Business Models for the Internet of Things focuses on identifying promising areas for cross-cutting Internet of Things (IoT) activities and their corresponding business models. Market- and technology-related success factors and barriers, as well as the social impact of IoT, are analysed. Based on the findings of the study, policy recommendations that will support the European Commission in fostering the growth of IoT in Europe have been made. Policy-makers should focus on the advantages and possibilities that are provided by the Digital Single Market and should, firstly, pay attention to changing requirements in terms of skills and employability. Secondly, attention should be paid to a more strategic allocation of government funding and to barrier-removing initiatives such as pilots, alliances and educational programmes. Thirdly, risks related to infrastructure need to be mitigated by developing strategic public–private partnerships. Finally, using regulatory compliance as an important driver should result in the creation of flexible rules and regulations that can easily and efficiently be modified based on the rapidly changing IoT environment.
White paper: Accelerating Labour Market Transformation (Nov 2017)
Digitization is driving massive labour market transformation across the globe. This policy brief looks at the effects of automation on businesses, current workforces and communities especially in developed nations and suggests interventions to tackle the unprecedented challenges. Even though complexity and exponential developments in the world can be daunting and counter-intuitive, the authors suggest that policymakers resist the urge to tread carefully and instead actively accelerate this transformation, even if partially blindfolded. Immediate and ripple effects, some likely to have negative impact in the short to mid-term, are inevitable. However, the net long-term benefits for society are compelling. Freeing up resources at community and regional levels will be paramount to solving challenges beyond pure technology-driven disruption – i.e. aging populations, climate change and ending poverty, whose windows of opportunity are rapidly closing. If critical velocity can be achieved, digitization and automation can be turned into key drivers for prosperity worldwide instead of being a mere threat.