PRESS RELEASE II

11/09/2024

Naples, Italy –  11 September 2024

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the second Transnational Partners’ Meeting for the TRAILS project – “Enabling Data Analytics for Actions Tackling Skills Shortages & Mismatch,” under Horizon Europe – took place at the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Centre for Economics and Finance (CSEF). Representatives from all consortium partners came together to assess the project’s progress, address management challenges, and plan the next steps for various Work Packages (WPs) essential to the project’s success.

The TRAILS project focuses on leveraging data analytics to address skills shortages and mismatches in Europe. By developing innovative tools, databases, Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, and training modules for Vocational Education and Adult Learning, TRAILS aims to better match employers with relevant educational opportunities, ensuring a more efficient allocation of workers. Among the anticipated outcomes are a new methodology for measuring skills mismatches, an analytical framework for AI-related training, and a compilation of best practices for addressing skills gaps across Europe.

Project coordinator Ioannis Pragidis (Democritus University of Thrace, Greece) opened the meeting, acknowledging the strong collaboration among partners in delivering high-quality research and overcoming challenges. As the project marks its tenth month, several deliverables have been completed on time. The consortium reviewed key milestones achieved so far, identified any management issues, and discussed strategies to maintain steady progress.

Under the state-of-the-art research and tool requirements work three pivotal deliverables (1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, upcoming) were discussed.

• 1.1 REVIEW I – Theoretical and Empirical Questions for Tackling Skills Shortages and Mismatches in Europe: Coordinated by the Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (CSEF) and co-authored by Luca Coraggio, Monica Langella, Armando Miano, Marco Pagano, Marco Stenborg Petterson, Vincenzo Pezone, and Annalisa Scognamiglio. This report explores the theories behind skill mismatches, their causes, effects, and the economic policies that can address them, as well as how skill mismatches have been measured and analyzed in practice. Read more here.
• 1.2 REVIEW II – Innovative Initiatives for Tackling Skills Shortages and Mismatches in Europe: Coordinated by EARLALL – European Association of Regional & Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning, this report presents 92 initiatives at regional, national, EU, and international levels and examines their relevance to TRAILS. The initiatives utilize digital tools, like online platforms, to support upskilling. The report identifies gaps in existing initiatives and highlights how TRAILS can address these gaps. It also reviews related EU-funded projects and suggests opportunities for collaboration. Read more here.

These deliverables have been officially submitted to the European Commission, though revisions may occur in the coming months.

Looking ahead, TRAILS will continue its research with a focus on Data Management and Survey Design (WP2), with Deliverables 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 upcoming. The project will also examine the impact of technological changes, skills mismatches, and on-the-job training (WP3), particularly regarding Deliverable 3.1. Future activities will further explore the application of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for aligning skills with labour market needs (WP4), and innovative strategies for skills development, bundling, and workforce mobility (WP5). Discussions will continue to emphasize key tasks, milestones, and strategies to address any outstanding issues.

In closing, the meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration and effective communication among partners. The third project meeting is scheduled for Spring 2025 and will be hosted by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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