In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of today's professional world, the pursuit of knowledge and skills has become a critical determinant of success. Businesses and individuals alike recognize the need to continually upskill and reskill to remain relevant and competitive.

The BRIGHT consortium -Biocat, BioRegion of Catalonia in Spain, STUNS Life science in Sweden, Estonian Connected Health Cluster in Estonia, and Eurasanté in France- is also concerned by these issues and, as part of its project, has set up initiatives to identify and develop the skills of its employees.

As part of our work package on the strengths, weaknesses and specialisations of each cluster, we carried out a study of our training needs in certain skills. The study identified the following needs in upskilling and reskilling need :

Our common Upskilling Needs:

First, we have to work on our « Project Management and Collaboration » abilities. In the realm of project management and collaboration, the ability to steer projects efficiently and foster teamwork is paramount. Employees require training in diverse project management methodologies, including Lean and Agile approaches. We also can work on our « Strategic Communication and Stakeholder Management » skills. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are cornerstones of organizational success. Developing skills in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and achieving business objectives.

But we should also work on more market oriented skills like « Regulatory Knowledge » and « Market Knowledge and Adaptation ». Regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable aspect of many industries. Understanding European legislation and regulations that are relevant to a specific sector is imperative. Staying ahead of the curve in terms of market trends and industry developments is vital. Employees should receive training to gain expert knowledge in new or evolving markets.

Our common Reskilling Needs:

For our reskilling needs we should start with « New Roles and Leadership ». Indeed leadership in the modern workplace demands a new set of skills. Developing transversal leadership skills that enable the effective management of teams and projects spanning multiple departments is crucial. Creating cross-department teams to foster synergistic actions and collaboration is a strategy that enhances teamwork, improves decision-making, and streamlines cross-functional cooperation.

In addition, we should work on « Decision-Making and Impact Assessment » and « Expertise in New Markets and Innovation ». As a matter of facts, effective decision-making and impact assessment are pivotal for achieving organizational goals. Training in project lifecycle management and impact assessment ensures that projects align with these goals and deliver the intended outcomes. Additionally, mastering the art of developing impact narratives facilitates informed decision-making by clearly illustrating the effects of proposed actions. Furthermore, the ability to adapt to emerging markets and foster innovation is a competitive advantage. Employees should undergo specialized training to develop expertise in emerging markets and industries. These initiatives yield a competitive edge, enhanced market intelligence, better support for companies entering new markets, and increased capacity for innovation.

In conclusion, these common upskilling and reskilling needs underscore the importance of continuous learning in the contemporary professional landscape. Project management, regulatory knowledge, strategic communication, leadership, decision-making, and specialized expertise are all critical pillars in adapting to evolving markets and industry landscapes. By investing in these areas, organizations and individuals can thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world of work.