EMES board members Giulia Galera (EURICSE) and Danijel Baturina (Faculty of Law at the University of Zagreb) joined European partners at the final event of the Erasmus+ project B-WISE (Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills in Work Integration Social Enterprises) in Brussels this month. The event, titled “Boosting employment of workers with support needs and boosting skills for work integration,” gathered stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the challenges and advancements in Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) in a rapidly digitalizing world.
The B-WISE project addresses the complex task WISEs face in adapting to digital and societal transformations, highlighting the skills needed for both workers and organizations. The final event featured a presentation of key research findings, insights, and practical discussions on the European WISE Skills Strategy, marking a significant step toward strengthening the sector.
In the session, “Key Findings of B-WISE Research: Future of the WISE Sector,” Giulia Galera shared findings from the project’s research, examining the distinctive characteristics of the WISE sector across Europe as well as its ongoing and future challenges. Reflecting on the project’s contributions, Galera noted, “The research Euricse coordinated allowed for the identification of key trends and challenges faced by WISEs in Europe and shed light on the main skills needs of WISEs“.
Danijel Baturina joined the panel discussion “How the B-WISE Project Can Help Boost Work Integration?” where he explored how the project provided avenues for skills development and practical support tailored specifically to WISEs. Baturina underscored the critical role of educational institutions, stating, “Universities and VET providers involved in the project demonstrated how they can be key factors in fostering ongoing skills development, vital for sustaining workers in WISEs and ensuring alignment with current and future labour market and society needs.“
With the B-WISE project concluding, participants expressed optimism about the future of WISEs, supported by strengthened partnerships, innovative training strategies, and a shared commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities in Europe.
We are proud that our board members participate in such projects and initiatives, fostering collaboration, exchange, and knowledge in the SE field.