Communiqué, issue 6, 2003
Articles
- 2004 programme presents challenges and opportunities
- Spotlight on social policy for Irish EU Presidency
- Local partnerships can boost social inclusion
- Reaping the gains of industrial change
- Use of IT in publishing and media
- Cross-border coordination in the EU motor sector
- Better employment prospects for ill, disabled
- Web user survey results
- New working conditions observatory takes shape
Previous issues of Communiqué
European companies must accept the concept of industrial change in order to thrive in an increasingly global marketplace, generate wealth, combat unemployment and pay for Europe's unique socio-economic model, according to a recent conference on ‘Industrial change in Europe: Current situation, prospects and responsibilities’.
The Foundation argued that change is essential, but restructuring must be carried out in a socially acceptable manner and take due account of the needs and concerns of those affected. This requires the involvement of both employers and employees and a coordinated approach to the development of skills and training. The two-day event, organised jointly by the Foundation and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), took place in Brussels on 20-21 November 2003. It brought together EU-level policymakers, social partners, national and regional authorities, enterprises, researchers and other experts. The aim was to pool knowledge, exchange information on best practices, identify prospects for development and review the roles and responsibilities of the various players concerned by industrial change.
Managing change with confidence
At the conference, Viscount Etienne Davignon, Deputy Chairman of the Société Générale de Belgique and former EU-Commissioner, called for a global framework of business to assist companies in coping with industrial change ‘in a managed and stable way’. He went on to argue that regional support and benefits are unfair and suggested that these initiatives should only be put in place for a transitional period. Once the economy reverts to its original situation, such benefits should then be replaced by public-private partnerships: ‘Public-private partnerships are essential in creating the best possible circumstances for companies to thrive,’ said Etienne Davignon.
Emphasis on heavy industry
The coal and steel sector will continue to be Europe’s major source of energy and electricity until 2030, according to recent forecasts from the European Commission.
‘We want Europe to become strong and therefore we have to take account of the adaptation of heavy industry,’ said Josly Piette, Chairman of the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) of the EESC.
Lifelong learning
The conference concluded that Europe does not need an EU-wide programme or regulation for lifelong learning. This, it was argued, would be counterproductive in Europe’s varied cultural and social climate. On the contrary, more effort is required to encourage a culture of lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, acceptance of change and updating of skills.
‘70% of workers in Europe think their job involves learning new things according to the Foundation’s third European survey on working conditions’, said the Foundation’s Acting Director Willy Buschak, in his address to the conference. ‘However, in reality, the same research shows that just a third is actually trained.’
Focusing on sectoral change in the future EU Member States, the conference examined how industrial change in Europe impacts on the business environment as well as on the economic and social development of the regions. It also highlighted the development of partnerships towards a regional approach to industrial change, and the importance of skills management for anticipating labour market requirements.