In 2015, the Flemish Minister for Work refers to the innovative and efficient nature of the Competent database and its application in the VDAB’s activities. While the measure has not been evaluated yet, other countries are following the example and adopting similar databases to streamline their employment services. In 2015, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands had all indicated their interest in adopting something similar in their own countries. In the absence of an evaluation, this international interest suggests the approach is quite effective. The results, as reported by the government, seem positive. A significant number of additional courses were organised, supposedly targeted at professions with shortages. As the measure has been introduced into the VDAB organisation relatively recently, it is difficult to make assessments as to how beneficiaries experience the measure. The competent based matching is also more of a broader approach to matching job seekers and employers, and a less concrete instrument. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to attribute any increases in job placements to this broader approach, and as a result measuring the specific impact becomes more difficult. The main unexpected cost with the instrument is that sectoral organisations are reluctant to cooperate and have the competence and skill requirements be harmonized for Belgium and in as much as possible, the rest of Europe, in line with common qualification frameworks. Besides this, no particular unexpected benefits or costs have come forward as the instrument is a supportive tool for job seekers and employers more than anything else.
This is a measure set by the Flemish VDAB.