The policy-oriented conference From data to direction: How can EHESO support the monitoring of the Union of Skills? brought together policymakers, higher education institutions, researchers, and stakeholders to explore how EHESO data can inform policy, strengthen institutions, and support Europe’s transition toward a more skilled and innovative future. 

The Union of Skills Communication sets ambitious goals: boosting Europe’s competitiveness, closing skills gaps, and preparing learners and institutions for future challenges. The European Higher Education Sector Observatory (EHESO) plays a central role by providing the evidence and monitoring needed to make this vision a reality. 

The programme featured three thematic sessions that focused on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education, fostering STEM participation, and the use cases of graduate tracking data. In addition to the sessions, in-person participants took part in breakout discussions, where they dove deeper into the themes and shared concrete perspectives, challenges, and recommendations.

Slides

• Welcome and keynotes
  • Keynote by the EHESO consortium - Benedetto Lepori (EHESO Scientific Director)
• Session 1: Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education
  • Universities in innovation ecosystems and the role of the European Universities alliances - Inga Popovaite (EHESO consortium)
  • From data to direction to data - Peter Joore (NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences)
  • HOGENT E-Lab - Bart Derre (HOGENT University of Applied Sciences)
• Session 2: Fostering STEM in higher education: increasing graduate numbers and closing the gender gap
  • STEM orientation in European HEIs: Analysis of institutional characteristics - Omar Abozeid (EHESO consortium)
  • All on deck: A European blueprint for deep tech talent competitiveness - Hanne Shapiro (Shapiro Futures)
  • Understanding and addressing gender inequities in STEM education - Duru Bayram (Eindhoven University of Technology)
• Session 3: Who benefits from graduate tracking data and how?
  • Graduate tracking systems in France: Purposes and uses - Arnaud Dupray (Center for Studies and Research on Qualifications)
  • Social inequality in study-to-work transitions: International evidence and (some) pathways for policy action - Katarina Weßling (Maastricht University)

These sessions fed directly into a reporting segment and a final panel discussion, fostering a rich exchange of insights and practical ideas on how EHESO can support the monitoring of the Union of Skills, strengthen skills intelligence, and promote more impactful policy development across Europe. A full report, with information on the discussions (including in break-out sessions and online engagement) is available below.

Practical information

• Time: 09:30-16:30 CET
• Conference programme
• Summary report
• Registration: closed