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Future-Ready Workforces: Making the Most of AI for People and Places event in Brussels

18/10/2024

On 19 October 2024, Lightcast and CEPS organised the event ‘Future-Ready Workforces: Making the Most of AI for People and Places event in Brussels.’ The session brought together the latest research and policy insights to discuss how cities and regions across Europe can use AI and data to build future-proof workforces. Speakers explored two key themes: the skills needed to adapt to AI and the leading regional authorities leveraging skills intelligence to secure their labour market competitiveness.

EARLALL participated in this event, which holds particular relevance within the context of the TRAILS project, which seeks to build on current data in skills mismatches and create novel tools and databases, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence.

The first session dived into the types of skills that will be essential in the age of AI. As AI technology permeates all sectors, do we need purely AI-specific skills, or are human-centric, complementary skills equally important?

Experts highlighted that while AI skills like machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing are in high demand, transversal skills—such as critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability—are crucial for creating a human-centred, inclusive, and ethical approach to AI. These skills help people work effectively alongside AI, enhancing productivity and innovation while ensuring the technology serves humanity.

The second half of the event focused on how regional authorities across Europe are using skills intelligence and data to anticipate future labour market needs. Innovative regions like Emilia-Romagna and the Basque Country are leading the way in integrating data-driven approaches to workforce planning. By leveraging tools like job vacancy data and real-time labour market insights, these regions are creating talent strategies that align with the evolving needs of industries.

Elena Magrini (Lightcast) introduced the first results of the Future-Ready Index report (to be published in January 2025), which measures how well cities and regions are preparing for the future of work by assessing their economic foundations, innovation capacity, and demographics.

Lara Porciatti, from Emilia-Romagna (Italy), shared how they are developing a permanent system for skills anticipation, combining quantitative data from job postings and qualitative insights from industry clusters. This approach helps them stay ahead of trends, identifying the emerging skills needed to support industries like agri-food, green tech, and manufacturing, among others.

In the Basque Region, the local talent agency, Bizkaia Talent, has created a Basque Talent Map, using data to connect professionals with local companies and understand the region’s evolving skills demands. Ivan Jimenez Aira explained that by collaborating with universities, vocational training schools, and businesses, they ensure that the education system is aligned with the region’s labour market needs.

The event concluded with a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to embrace data-driven decision-making and invest in both AI-specific and transversal skills. As AI continues to transform the labor market, regions that prioritize innovation, education, and skills development will be best positioned to thrive.

By fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions, and using advanced tools for skills intelligence, Europe can ensure its workforce remains resilient and future-ready in the age of AI.