How can Europe build the skills needed for the green and digital transitions while creating more resilient and inclusive career pathways?
KMOP Policy Center contributed to this discussion at Creative Skills Week 2026, held in Brussels from 7 to 9 September, alongside policymakers, educators, researchers, industry representatives and organisations from across Europe.
The three-day event provided a space to examine how education, skills development and cross-sector cooperation need to evolve in response to changes in the labour market and wider social and technological transformations.
Connecting skills with Europe’s green and digital transitions
A key focus of the discussions was the role of local and regional skills ecosystems in translating European priorities into practical action.
Participants explored how the green and digital transitions are changing skills needs, as well as the role of entrepreneurship and lifelong learning in supporting people to navigate changing career paths and adapt to new labour-market realities.
The discussions also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, micro-credentials and new approaches to learning, alongside the need for closer cooperation between education and training providers, industry, policymakers and communities.
A recurring message throughout Creative Skills Week was that skills initiatives need to extend beyond individual projects. Building stronger and more sustainable connections between sectors can help turn short-term initiatives into longer-term cooperation and create more responsive skills ecosystems.
Strengthening cooperation around skills and lifelong learning
The discussions are closely connected to KMOP’s work in education and lifelong learning, skills development, the green and digital transitions, entrepreneurship, social inclusion and policy cooperation.
Through KMOP Policy Center, we work with partners across Europe to connect research, policy and practice, contribute to the exchange of knowledge and explore approaches that can respond to emerging social and labour-market needs.
Participation in Creative Skills Week 2026 also provided an opportunity to connect with organisations working across these fields and explore possibilities for new European partnerships and future cooperation.
For future collaborations get in touch at: [email protected]