Since 2013, Cedefop has been working on constructing a European skills index – Making skills work. The index considers three dimensions: a) skills development, b) skills activation, and c) skills matching. These are distinct areas but, all together, they capture three different stages of the route of skills from cultivation to utilisation in the labour market and at work.

The European skills index thus provides useful information to multiple recipients interested in different aspects of the ‘skills eco-system’ while at the same time providing a snapshot view on countries’ ‘skills performance’. The index aims to serve as inspiration for countries and stakeholders that want to improve certain areas, understand what is driving their results and would like to know more about other counties’ performance. 

Based on extensive expert discussions, Cedefop will carry out further work and a new version of the European skills index will be launched early 2018.

Find out more about our plans for launching the new European Skills Index on the Skills Panorama website.