In 2018, Agoria made the first in-depth study with 'Be The Change', which mapped the evolution of the labor market in Belgium until 2030. 

The study shows that we need to focus on 3 areas of action: activation, lifelong learning and sustainable productivity growth.

Between now and 2030, for every job that disappears, 2,8 new jobs will be created. This will put increasing pressure on the tight labor market. From 142000 vacancies in 2019, we are heading for 541000 vacancies, if no additional, appropriate measures are taken.

The right person in the right place.

In order to realize the federal government's ambitions - 8 out of 10 at work by 2030 - 600000 jobs must be created during that period. That's quite a challenge. Effectively getting 600000 properly trained people into work is an even bigger challenge.

Therefore, we need to ensure the right skills baggage and make room for inflow into our labor market through upward job mobility of all working people.

Unfortunately, for now, we often see a training paradox. Training efforts in companies are increasing by more than 10%. Training is more easily accessible. And there is a growing diversity of training forms. And yet almost 40% of the Belgian working population does not reach the 'basic level of digital skills' (source: DESI). And less than 2% of young people graduate as digital experts. So we absolutely must invest more in training in digital skills to make people stronger for the job market of the future. Obtaining a qualification is not an end point, but the start of a lifelong exchange. We can and must prepare the future by training on the workplace, during their everyday functioning.

Sustainable productivity growth has an eye for well-being and efficiency.

We can stimulate value creation through open innovation, by focusing on new business models and on internationalization. We achieve higher efficiency through adapted management methodologies and scale, learning and scope effects.

Productivity does not mean 'working harder', but is about increasing output through the optimal combination of people and technology.

Thanks to 'Be The Change' more and more people are brushing up their skills, taking extra training and getting to work. A DigiSkills Passport has been developed, which provides insight into crucial competencies, as well as the Digiscan for companies, which maps out digital maturity, and through DigiConnect, supply and demand for digital solutions are brought together.

Investing in digitization is investing in people.

https://www.agoria.be/en/themes/society/be-the-change/be-the-change

Jeroen Franssen, project manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.