The conference will address different aspects of skills development and the smart specialization concept through various program formats and networking activities involving EU-level and national policymakers, stakeholders, and SSH experts. 

This year’s conference theme aligns with one of the priorities of the Hungarian presidency and is crucial for the European Union’s competitiveness in the coming years. Discussions will contribute to analyzing the current state, identifying challenges, and sharing best practices in the field of Smart Specialization Strategies. The program will explore various initiatives, concepts, and tools serving the effective implementation of S3 and related skills development practices.

Day 1 focuses on defining a framework of skills development for smart specialization through various discussions. To setting the scene, participants will get an overview of the role of Vocational Education and Training in Smart Specialization based on a 2019 report prepared by experts of JRC. Further initiatives, such as the European Training Foundation’s Smart Specialization (S4S3) methodological approach will also be presented. Panel discussions and discussion tables will provide the opportunity for the audience to share their experience regarding the implementation of S3, including their views on gaps in skills development, mismatches between labor supply and demand, and enhancing the growth and competitiveness of SMEs through skills development.

Day 2 will cover topics in skills development support for the industrial transformation of Europe. Interesting questions on inter-dependence between economic growth, innovation and skills in the era of digitization and green transition will be discussed, with additional showcasing of success stories, and reflections on the challenges and bottlenecks and Societal Challenge 6. For an innovative approach, the topic of transferable skills for the space sector will also be discussed.