The European Commission’s launch of the Union of Skills marks a significant step toward strengthening Europe’s workforce through strategic investment in skills. This ambitious plan aims to boost competitiveness, resilience, and talent development across the EU. It seeks to address labour shortages, digital and green transitions, and workforce mobility, all while fostering a stronger skills ecosystem through European cooperation.

However, its current focus leans heavily on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), overlooking a crucial element: the arts and creative industries (STEAM). This approach highlights the urgency of advocating for a transversal skills approach, which integrates creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. At CYANOTYPES, we actively champion this perspective, ensuring that skills development in Europe is not only about technical expertise but also about fostering adaptability, creative problem-solving, and cross-sectoral innovation.

Initiatives like CYANOTYPES and Creative Skills Week play a key role in advocating for this broader approach, making sure the Cultural and Creative Industries are recognised as essential drivers of Europe’s future skills ecosystem.