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Changing skills

What is it about?

As the culture sector evolves and changes, so do the skills required of individuals active in the sector. The educational and training needs created by these changes can only be met by an education sector that recognises the change in demand.

Why is it needed?

With digital and mobile technologies becoming an increasingly important facet of modern life, it is necessary to ensure that the skills taught in education keep pace.

The pace of innovation, the changing nature of the sector, and the importance of culture to the European economy increasingly mean that cultural entrepreneurs also need more business skills, which in turn means that educational supply has to keep pace.

With some estimates suggesting that vacancies in the information technology sector will increase from the present one million to two million in the coming years, it is clear that steps need to be taken to tailor the supply of education to match the demands of the economy.

What is the EC's role?

The European Commission plays several vital roles in both an active and advisory capacity. These range from managing large-scale programmes, such as Creative Europe, to coordinating networks of experts, or consolidating the findings and best practices of Member States.

What has been done so far?

The Commission has sought to effect change through initiatives such as:

In addition to this, the Commission regularly consults expert groups and Member States, and often publishes the results in the form of reports and studies.

What are the next steps?

In addition to the activities implemented under Creative Europe, among other initiatives, the Commission will continue to strengthen culture sector policy through the Open Method of Coordination, as well as through reports, studies, and strengthening the evidence-base for policy.

A report on the promotion of partnerships between schools and businesses/organisations active in the culture sector has also been commissioned, the results of which will be made available on line.