Transformation of the Automotive-Mobility Ecosystem is heavily affecting regions. Preparing the European workforce for the green and digital transitions requires anticipation and urgent action
On 21November 2022, stakeholders across the European mobility ecosystem engaged in a discussion titled “Automotive regions at the crossroad: how can policy-making and industry manage the transition?”. The event was hosted by the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU and co-hosted by the Automotive Skills Alliance.
The keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Ciulli, Director for Green Deal and Economy, Regione Lombardia EU Delegation and Mr. Stolfa, President ofthe Automotive Skills Alliance. Mr. Ciulli emphasized that the transitions in the automotive regions will inevitably lead to significant social and economic consequences, as exemplified by his region. He noted that regions need more guidance on making green vehicles accessible to their citizens, but that if this succeeds, it can lead to a relaunch of European wellbeing. Mr. Stolfa pointed out the importance of reskilling and upskilling in this process, noting that hiring for green skills has increased by 40% in the last 5 years, but the demand for these skills will soon outplace the supply.
The event followed with a roundtable discussion, moderated by Adrian Teban from the Committee of the Regions, with interventions from Sigrid DeVries (Secretary General of ACEA), Benjamin Krieger (Secretary General of CLEPA), Delphine Rudelli (Secretary General of Ceemet), Ivo Vondrák (Governor of the Moravian-Silesion region), Judith Kirton-Darling (Deputy Secretary General of IndustriALL), and Ann Branch, who works on the Skills Agenda in DG EMPL.
Participants discussed what they perceive as the greatest obstacles to a successful transition. The lack of skills necessary for the implementation of the transition was named as a key obstacle, which is why the Commission has dedicated the year 2023 to the development of skills. Participants also mentioned regional imbalances, the current economic crisis and the extremely high speed of transition as significant obstacles. Several speakers noted that a mismanaged transition can have negative social and economic consequences on European regions and citizens, which the stakeholders currently cannot address through a cohesive framework. The risk of mismanaging the transition is further exacerbated by the low level of anticipation of upcoming challenges. Lastly, participants mentioned implementation, streamlining of funding and a clear framework for the participation of social partners, as the largest challenges. Overall, the speakers agreed that the matter is higly urgent, requires the establishment of proper frameworks to avoid negative social, political and economic consequences for European regions.
In the second part, speakers discussed best practices for the management of upskilling and reskilling of the automotive workforce. The Automotive Skills Alliance was mentioned as a pan-European example, whose tools and practices would be beneficial on the regional level as well. Other best practices included assisting local governments in assessing future skills needs and adapting existing systems of qualifications.
As the speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration and implementation of concrete actions, the event concluded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Automotive Skills Alliance (represented by Jakub Stolfa) and the European Battery Alliance Academy (represented by Oana Penu). This strategic partnership will create a single pan-European framework to enable upskilling and reskilling for the automotive labour force across the mobility sector and battery value chain. More information about the collaboration of ASA and EBAA is available here.
