Knowledge or Skills

What do university graduates (and economies) need?

In this seminar, we reflect on the challenges linked to skills offer and demand in European universities. It will involve peer-led discussion and lead to policy recommendations on how universities can improve their performance in the professional and applied courses they offer.

The event is hosted by EURASHE Member Aix-Marseille University. Although it is free of charge, participants are required to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

The registration form can be found at the bottom of this page. Please note that due to limited places available, all applications will undergo a selection process.

Universities are usually considered as institutions for generating and imparting knowledge, while vocational education and training (VET) institutions are known for developing skills. However, this characterisation does not reflect the reality of education and training that takes place in many universities. In fact, degree programmes involve a mix of acquiring skills and knowledge, in readiness for entering the labour market, and embarking on a range of different professions, some of which are evolving rapidly with economic and technological change.

The renewed emphasis on skills to meet the needs of industrial transition is putting the focus on how universities contribute, especially in those countries that do not have dedicated professionally orientated higher education institutions. Furthermore, while there are common features, the type and mix of skills and knowledge that cities and regions need varies significantly within countries and across Europe. Professionally-oriented universities have a particular vocation to attract and retain talent within their regions. 

This seminar will address these issues, including through the specific case of Aix-Marseille University and the South of France. It will involve peer-led discussion and lead to recommendations on how universities can improve their performance in the professional and applied courses they offer. Policy implications will also be drawn, resulting in apolicy brief published by EURASHE.