Predictive Study on Skills Anticipation

Support in re-thinking investments in education and training.

The study was carried out by EY.

This study analyzes trends in labor markets to determine which skills will be essential for future workforce needs. It plays a crucial role in shaping curriculum development, ensuring that Higher Education Institutions remain responsive to key macro-trends such as environmental, social, political, and technological changes.

It fosters lifelong learning and the re-skilling of researchers, better equipping them for future challenges.

Study Goals
  • Offer new analytical tools for HEIs.
  • Evaluate the readiness of Europe’s young researchers.
  • Identify critical areas for skill development.

Methodology & Data Collection

Desk Research

Review of EU frameworks: ResearchComp, ERA, and Skills Agenda.

Data Analysis

Using NLP (Natural Language Processing) and statistical methods for forecasting.

Job Market Analysis

Text mining of 20 PhD-preferred roles to identify market demands.

Study Impact in Numbers

1,701

Researcher Responses (R1 & R2)

21

EU Countries Covered

45

Academic Leaders Interviewed

20

Industry Representatives

Key Skill Gaps Identified

Strategic thinking, project management, and science communication were found to be the most critical areas needing development.

Top Future Skills (5-10 Years)

AI & Digital Literacy, Research Ethics, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Emotional Intelligence.

The EY Team

Experts in consulting for the European Commission and institutional transformations.

  • Suhida Dermani (Consultant)
  • Matteo di Rosa (Project Manager)
  • Jacopo Cardilli (Junior Consultant)