Economic, digital and technological developments, as well as increasing energy efficiency and environmental demands, present the European (and global) Industry with many challenges, not least of which is to continuously update the qualification, knowledge and skill profile of the workforce. The aim of this project is to realise an industry driven and coordinated sustainable and cross-sectoral blueprint for the Sustainable Process Industry through Resource and Energy Efficiency (SPIRE) addressing its recent and future challenges in immediate and enduring ways. A Blueprint strategy for human capital development through a Cross-Sector Skills Alliance on Energy Intensive Industries (EII) will be developed by involving a broad range of key stakeholders from the eight sectors of the SPIRE public-private partnership: Steel, Chemicals, Minerals, Non-ferrous Metals, Water, Engineering, Ceramics, and Cement. The alliance of related sector associations or technology platforms, training providers, and research partners is characterised by a huge competence based on a long list of projects for energy efficiency, industrial symbiosis (IS) and related Vocational Education and Training (VET). It will develop concrete and practical strategies and programmes (modules and tools) in anticipation of skills demands in a proactive and future oriented way, securing policy support and continous monitoring. Build on the already existing SPIRE coordination, projects and activities, a cross-sectoral industrial symbiosis approach, covering all the eight SPIRE energy intensive industry sectors and integration European, national, regional industrial symbiosis perspectives will improve “intercultural” exchange between the different industry sectors and the different qualification levels (blue and white collar, generational exchange, and green skills as overarching issue).
Main objective and mission is the industry driven proactive adjustment of future skills demands concerning Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and related Energy Efficiency (EE) across Energy Intensive Industry sectors. Proactive skills adjustment via new training and curricula include new ways of short term implementation within both companies and education and training institutions and mobilising and integrating stakeholders and policy makers of EU, sectoral, national, and regional levels.
Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) contribute to around 15% of EU manufacturing added value. They produce an important share of European wealth and provide over 7 million jobs to European citizens. Against this background, these industries could become a game changer for the Green Deal and the Twin Transition by working more closely together in Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and related Energy Efficiency (EE). However, new skills and trainings of the workforce are necessary to unfold this potential.
<< Background >> Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) contribute to around 15% of EU manufacturing added value. They produce an important share of European wealth and provide over 7 million jobs to European citizens. Against this background, these industries could become a game changer for the Green Deal and the Twin Transition by working more closely together in Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and related Energy Efficiency (EE). However, new skills and trainings of the workforce are necessary to unfold this potential. << Objectives >> Main objective and mission is the industry driven proactive adjustment of future skills demands concerning Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and related Energy Efficiency (EE) across Energy Intensive Industry sectors. Proactive skills adjustment via new training and curricula include new ways of short term implementation within both companies and education and training institutions and mobilising and integrating stakeholders and policy makers of EU, sectoral, national, and regional levels. << Implementation >> The cross-sectoral Blueprint is composed by main European Sector stakeholders, integrating companies, education and training providers, associations, social partners, and research institutions. All in all, SPIRE-SAIS comprises 37 partners (24 consortium and 13 associated partners) from 12 EU countries (Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Europe). Analysing technological developments, its related skills requirements and VET system support a Blueprint was developed and rolled out. << Results >> The Blueprint outlines an industry driven long-term skills strategy, adjusting the workforce proactive by monitoring and shorten the implementation of industry relevant qualifications continuously. Skills Intelligence via a Foresight Observatory with a Technology and Skills Radar, an open online training platform SKILLS4Planet and a (still to be formalised) European Training Community of Practice are the main governance elements - aligned with existing and upcoming European structures.