Union of Skills: building a strong science and technology base for a competitive and prosperous Europe

The leading universities of science and technology united within CESAER published today a position titled ‘Union of Skills: Building a strong science and technology base for a competitive and prosperous Europe’.

• The position is available here for download and dissemination (PDF).

This position outlines five key areas where the EU institutions must act decisively:

1. investing in people and ideas to boost competitiveness through frontier research and research-based education;
2. co-creating and expanding ecosystems in strategic sectors to integrate talent development with innovation;
3. attracting and retaining top academic talent by improving career pathways and mobility;
4. advancing inclusive and ethical STEM education to broaden and future-proof the talent pool;
5. empowering universities in governance and policy design to ensure legitimacy, coherence and long-term success.

“Europe’s future prosperity depends on our ability to cultivate, attract and retain the brightest talent in the cutting-edge science and technology that increasingly shape our societies. The Union of Skills must drive a fundamental shift — turning vision into action, ambition into reality and policy into tangible progress by placing research-based and research-led education at its heart. Universities of science and technology are key partners in this mission, seamlessly integrating frontier research, education and innovation to develop the talent and knowledge Europe needs to thrive and compete globally.”

-- Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin

“Universities of science and technology are ready to engage as strategic partners for the Union of Skills in shaping policies and frameworks that help define Europe’s future. These universities equip graduates with key competences for today and tomorrow, and they create scientific knowledge, nurture critical thinking, and anticipate and shape the skills and technologies Europe need to lead globally. Crucial for forward-looking talent development, they have strong partnerships with industry and other non-academic stakeholders, driving innovation in education and training to boost Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and prosperity.”

-- Roberto Zanino, Director of CESAER, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force Learning & Teaching, and Rector’s Senior Advisor for International University Networks and the European University Alliance Unite! at Politecnico di Torino

“To tackle Europe’s grand challenges, human capital must be a top priority for the EU and its member states. Talented people underpin all policy goals. Strong collaboration with industry enhances adaptability, especially when driven by universities of science and technology at the core of education and skills policies. Their unique role connecting research, education and innovation is essential for shaping future-proof policies that help ensure Europe remains a global leader in advanced science and technologies. Governance must reflect this, with system-wide strategies grounded in scientific and technological foresight.”

-- Touko Närhi, Advisor for Benchmark & Higher Education at CESAER

For more information, please contact our Information & Communication Officer Justine Moynat.

Additional resources

• Opinion piece by President Orla Feely – Union of Skills (March 2025)
• Position ‘Erasmus+ for a prosperous, resilient and skilled Europe through science and technology’ (June 2025)