On 30 January the OECD project "Skill Strategy for Flanders" was launched. In Brussels, Minister of Work and Social Economy, Philippe Muyters, welcomed OECD leaders Montserrat Gomendio and Dirk Van Damme as well as representatives of the Flemish policy areas Work and Social Economy, Education and Training, and Economy, Science and Innovation for an introduction to the project.
The OECD Skills Strategy provides countries with a strategic approach for building, maintaining and using human capital to boost employment and economic growth, and to promote social inclusion and participation. OECD has already implemented this process in nine countries, including the Netherlands, Norway and Austria. Flanders is the first federated state which will be supervised by OECD in the development of a "national" skills strategy.
Minister Muyters: "Labor market-oriented skills are the fuel of our economy, today and in the future. It is important that we handle this wisely and that we are committed to a long-term vision and strategy. "
Over the coming year, OECD will provide data, research and practical experience to help identify the opportunities and challenges for Flanders. The project should lead to a diagnostic report, an analysis of the Flemish competence policy, supported by all actors involved, as well as recommendations on how this competence policy can be strengthened in the future.
Dirk van Damme (Head of Skills Beyond Schools Division, OECD): "One of Flanders top assets are the skills of its population. Challenges such as digitization will put pressure on our competencies. With this project, the OECD will help Flanders to develop a skills strategy across all policy areas."
The Government of Flanders decided in 2017 to participate in this OECD project. The development of a skills strategy is part of the long-term Flemish plans for skills and competencies (Vision 2050, European skills agenda ...). The Department of Work and Social Economy is the driving force behind this government-wide project.
Department Work and Social Economy (only in Dutch)
