by Manuela Prina
The ETF Skills Lab Network of Experts has come a long way since summer 2021 when we were still exploring motivations and interest in joining a new knowledge community on emerging skills needs from ETF partner countries, EU Member States and third countries.
The network now has 422 members across 69 countries, 380 members of our LinkedIn Group and 401 members officially recognised with an ETF micro-credential (digital badge). We are a growing and increasingly dynamic network of researchers, experts and practitioners working on the evolution of labour markets and skills demand.
We have gradually built up the level of our activity since the network’s launch in October 2021. We have now held more than 20 online events for peer learning, knowledge exchange and networking in different formats and supported a peer visit to a skills anticipation good practice in Estonia. Our flagship annual ‘Live Event’ typically brings together 50-60 members, along with other stakeholders.
Since 2023, the network has also been supporting six joint research proposals bringing together researchers from different countries to carry out comparative research on a wide variety of approaches and topics related to skills anticipation and skills demand. These cover projects on the agri-food sector, the transition to work, the green economy, the energy sector, youth entrepreneurship and analysis of sector skills needs.
We have truly been able to deliver on our mission to “facilitate processes of exchange, learning and cooperation amongst our members”, so that relevant knowledge and skills are reinforced and better disseminated, and researchers have opportunities to collaborate and build on each other’s knowledge and skills.
Formal and informal networking
The core activities of the network are now well-established. These include the Joint Research projects, online webinars, online peer learning sessions, the Live Event, peer visits, a collaborative area on OpenSpace, and regional events across: Western Balkans and Türkiye; Southern and Eastern Mediterranean; Eastern Partnership; and Central Asia.
However, much of the strength of the network lies in the informal and ongoing exchanges that take place in between the core activities. To support that, we launched our LinkedIn Group in July 2024. The group aims to facilitate more regular and organic exchanges between members and external stakeholders, including: sharing latest research and methodologies; circulating opportunities for collaborative research and funding; asking questions; and building partnerships. Do join the discussions if you have not done so already!
We also awarded our first digital badges (micro-credentials) to members in March 2024. These include ‘Skills Experts’ badges granted to all members and ‘Skills Masters’ badges awarded to those contributing most actively to our activities, including event speakers, joint researchers and peer visit participants. The badges enable members to profile their involvement in the network in their online profiles, supporting both recognition of their expertise and awareness of the network.
Future perspectives
As we look to the future, we believe that the network will continue to evolve and strengthen, delivering ever-more dynamic exchanges and increasing added value for our members.
Key to that objective is building the involvement of members in defining the themes we work on and organising specific activities and events (peer learning sessions, peer visits etc.). We already consult members through regular surveys, but one idea we are currently exploring is to create a small Steering Group of members to help provide further input into the strategic direction and priorities of the network.
The more we can engage members in driving the network, the more sustainable it becomes and the more convincing also to increase the budget provided to network activities. We invite you to share with us your hopes and ideas for how the network can better support your work and meet your needs as we move into 2025 and beyond.
We are proud of what we have achieved together so far and we look forward to the shared journey ahead!
A personal note
As I will be leaving the ETF at the end of the year 2024, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the work of the team and the work of all network members in the past three years since the network started its work. We have been able to reflect, exchange, co-create and innovate. I look forward to continuing to be part of this community as a member of the network myself and I wish the network a great 2025 ahead!
As an active member of the ETF Skills Lab Network of Experts, I have truly appreciated the opportunities this network has provided for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional growth. The diverse range of activities, from peer learning sessions to joint research projects, has not only enriched my understanding of emerging skills needs but has also allowed me to connect with experts from various countries. The informal exchanges and discussions within the network have been equally valuable, fostering a dynamic and supportive community. I look forward to contributing further and seeing the network continue to thrive in the coming years!
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