Skills for territorial cohesion: practical recommendations

The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) is proud to announce the publication of a new recommendation paper on 'Assessing Skills Needs and Addressing Skills Development in Place-Based Innovation Strategies', co-authored by Piotr Sadowski, LLLP Vice President, alongside regional and academic experts from across Europe. This paper was developed under the Harnessing Talent Platform of DG REGIO and it offers a future-oriented roadmap to embed lifelong learning and inclusive skills development at the heart of regional innovation hubs.

A Holistic Approach to Skills for Territorial Cohesion

Skills are not just a tool for economic competitiveness but a foundation for democratic resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable development. The paper calls for a shift from fragmented, top-down policies to participatory, place-based skills ecosystems that empower individuals and communities to thrive in their local contexts.

To achieve this potential, the paper calls to design more inclusive governance and to strengthen collaboration among public authorities, educators, businesses, and civil society to co-design learning opportunities. The paper also highlights the need to reframe regional skills narratives around their potential, solidarity, and co-creation, moving away from deficit-based approaches that look at short-term fixes for endemic issues.

A call for action for a learner-centred vision of education

This work builds on LLLP’s long-standing advocacy for learner-centred, inclusive, and lifelong learning ecosystems. Many of the paper’s recommendations align with LLLP’s own resources and positions, which underscore the potential of all learners if adequately supported by public authorities - in this case by regional and local authorities. By integrating civil society resources, the paper reinforces LLLP’s commitment to equitable access to learning and the empowerment of all learners, regardless of background or circumstance.

The paper is a call to action for policymakers, educators, and regional actors to invest in inclusive skills ecosystems that reflect the unique needs of territories. Such ecosystems would strengthen collaboration between education, innovation, and social sectors, building innovative multistakeholder hubs that best serve their communities.

The full recommendation paper is available here. For more information, contact policy@lllplatform.eu.