Anticipation and Management of Change

1. Anticipation and Management of Change Brussels, 25 February 2008

2. The Challenges • Intensity of Globalisation • Demographic change • Technological progress • Emerging economies – new markets and competitors • Climate change • Change is inevitable, permanent and rapid • Benefits are widespread, while negative impacts and social costs are concentrated …enterprises, sectors, vulnerable groups, regions •  Acceptance of change • Information and knowledge

3. Facing these challenges – the Commission’s approach • Mobilization and coordination of Community policies • Foster cooperation, exchange and partnership at different levels • Support development of knowledge and analysis tools • Call for strategic approaches (SWOT analysis etc) • Preference to active restructuring (thinking beyond financial compensation)

4. Anticipation of change Preparation of change Managing restructuring Assist restructuring processes Exchange good practices Develop and stimulate anticipative actions

5. Anticipation and Management of Change through the Structural Funds • European Regional Development Fund • Anticipation and positive management of economic change as ESF priority: • Increasing adaptability of workers and enterprises • Enhancing access to employment and participation in the labour market • Reinforcing social inclusion by combating discrimination and facilitating access for disadvantaged persons • Promoting partnerships for reform in the fields of employment and inclusion • Plus for least prosperous regions and Member States: reforms of education and training systems; strengthening of institutional capacities

6. Anticipation and Management of Change through the Structural Funds • Examples (ESF) of supported actions: • Support to individuals: • Training (competence reports, training passports, individual guidance systems…) • Outplacement • Support to geographical mobility • Structure Building: • Observatories and early warning systems (skills, technology) • Transfer of good practices • Strengthening of training systems (validation) • Support to partnerships and pacts (e.g. for regional reconversion)

7. Anticipation and Management of Change through the Structural Funds • Examples (ERDF): support to productive investment (infrastructure, local development initiatives) • Member States can opt for “contingency reserve” for local and sectoral crisis management caused by restructuring and/or opening of trade (beside possible actions under the new European Globalisation Adjustment Fund)

8. Anticipation and Management of Change through the Structural Funds • Transnational and interregional dimension of the Structural Funds • INTERREG IVC (ERDF) • Member States are encouraged through 2007-2013 ESF regulation to support such actions – building on EQUAL lessons • Example: « Network of Automotive Regions  » (INTERREG IIIC)

9. The crucial role of the regions • Development of regional economic strategies • Analysis of skill needs • Adaptation measures • Advice to enterprises • Platform for clusters • Crisis management • Project participation • Multiplier of good practices • Cross border cooperation

10. Outlook • Dissemination of good practices in the area of adaptation to change (Article 6 – « Innovative Actions ») • First European Restructuring Report publication in 2008 – July 2008 • Communication on Restructuring – July 2008 • Sectoral Studies on Emerging Skills and Competences • Forum Restructuring

11. Embrace change as a permanent phenomenon… Thank you for your kind attention!