Normunds Popen’s address centred on the ways education, skills development, and innovation are intertwined with Europe’s industrial strategy and its competitive standing in a rapidly changing global landscape. He opened his speech with a real air of excitement about the renewed emphasis on education under the incoming European Commission. He noted that, for the first time, education is being recognised as a key element of the EU’s competitiveness and sustainability efforts. This recognition is reflected in the Commission’s recent mission letters, which now explicitly mandate links between education and other key areas such as innovation, industrial strategy, and even defence. Popens emphasised that the success of Europe’s transitions – whether green, digital, or industrial – hinges on a strong foundation in education, starting from early schooling through to higher education and vocational training.
Popens then followed this by highlighting the pressing need to address skill shortages across Europe, especially in critical areas like digital skills and technology adoption. He referenced alarming statistics that show 42% of Europeans lack basic digital skills, with 37% of those already in the workforce. This digital skills gap poses a serious barrier to innovation and industrial competitiveness, and Popens made it clear that education systems must rise to the challenge of equipping both current and future workers with the tools they need to thrive.
To meet these challenges, DG EAC is pushing forward several initiatives designed to strengthen the European educational framework. One such initiative is the European Education Area, which seeks to harmonise educational standards across EU member states. This includes the development of European School Alliances aimed at better supporting teachers and improving primary and secondary education.
Popens also pointed to the University Alliances project, which fosters cooperation among European universities to create common degrees and develop innovative curricula. He highlighted the recent launch of the European Common Degree, which is already being implemented in areas like sustainability and EU studies.
Popens emphasised the importance of education in bridging the gap between research and real-world application – a persistent challenge for Europe. While the continent excels in producing high-quality research, the issue lies in translating these innovations into marketable products. Here, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) plays a pivotal role by connecting universities, businesses, and local authorities to create ecosystems that support innovation. Popens praised initiatives like EIT Manufacturing, which has been instrumental in fostering start-ups and advancing education in the manufacturing sector.
Financial support for education and innovation was another key theme of Popens’ speech. He underscored the role of Cohesion Funds in building educational infrastructure across Europe, from early childhood facilities to universities. These funds have also been crucial in supporting research and innovation, particularly in regions that lag behind in technological development. Popens highlighted the importance of Smart Specialisation Strategies, which aim to create localised innovation ecosystems by connecting universities, businesses, and local governments.
Popens also addressed the need to simplify and streamline EU funding mechanisms to make them more efficient and complementary. He acknowledged that while initiatives like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Cohesion Funds have been successful, there is still work to be done to ensure these programmes are more accessible and less bureaucratic. This, he argued, will be crucial in sustaining Europe’s competitiveness in the years ahead.
Concluding his speech, Popens reiterated that education is the foundation of prosperity and must remain at the heart of Europe’s industrial strategy. He called for a continued focus on fostering skills development, supporting educational institutions, and connecting education with innovation and entrepreneurship. In particular, he stressed the importance of changing societal perceptions around entrepreneurship, especially among students in non-technical fields, to cultivate a culture of innovation across all sectors of European society.
This final keynote of the first day of the conference underscored the deep connections between education, innovation, and industrial success. By investing in education at all levels and building stronger links between research and real-world application, Europe can ensure its manufacturing sector remains competitive in an increasingly globalised world.