The Deep Tech Skills Days 2024 in Warsaw brought together experts, innovators, and policymakers to address talent shortages, reskilling, and the need for innovation in deep tech education, with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity. Over 30 breakout sessions offered by the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative member organisations (Pledgers) provided actionable insights, innovative strategies, and practical solutions to strengthen Europe’s talent pipeline and industries.
One of the central themes at the event was the need to prioritise lifelong learning and continuous professional development to ensure that the workforce can adapt to technological shifts. Sessions highlighted how strategic mentorship and training programmes could act as catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship. For instance, HiSeedTech has 20 years of experience supporting startups in Southern Europe through focused training and mentorship, and illustrated how these programs strengthen the innovation ecosystem and promote economic growth.
The topic of talent shortages was addressed in a particularly impactful session by Generation: You Employed, Inc., which explored the idea of skills-based hiring, focusing on practical skills over traditional qualifications. This innovative recruitment approach was discussed as a solution to bridge workforce gaps while simultaneously promoting diversity and inclusion. By shifting the focus to real-world competencies, companies can better align talent with industry demands.
Other breakout sessions focused on the integration of AI into healthcare, with GE Healthcare and EIT Health e.V. exploring the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI adoption in this vital sector. Discussions focused on the importance of sector-specific AI models, improving data-sharing practices, and establishing common standards to enable AI’s full potential in revolutionising patient care. Key considerations arising from the discussion were questions surrounding trust in AI and its ability to align with healthcare standards.
Upskilling and reskilling emerged as vital strategies to meet the technological demands of a rapidly changing workforce. EIT Campus shared insights into how digital learning platforms can scale upskilling efforts, offering cost-effective and flexible opportunities for individuals and organisations to address skill gaps. Similarly, NVIDIA focused on Europe’s AI skills gap, emphasising the role of education and access to AI tools to ensure that the workforce remains competitive in an AI-driven future.
AI adoption was also explored through creative learning strategies shared by MinnaLearn and GroupM to empower non-technical employees to learn AI through scalable, practical methods. These strategies aim to make technological knowledge more accessible across diverse industries. Cross-sector collaboration was another key discussion point. Intel and JA Europe explored the importance of combining technical expertise with leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking to prepare industries for the challenges of technological disruption.
EIT Food facilitated discussions on how technological innovation could transform food production and distribution by addressing key industry challenges. This session highlighted how deep tech skills, combined with entrepreneurial strategies, can create opportunities for sustainable innovation.
Summary
The key theme that emerged during the event was the need for a paradigm shift in how deep tech education is approached in today’s fast-paced technological landscape. Currently, there is a significant gap in awareness and skills, particularly in terms of reskilling and upskilling initiatives. The need for such programmes is critical, not just for the new generations of workers but also for those in mid-career who may face job displacement due to automation and technological advancements.
Throughout the event, themes like adaptability, cross-sector partnerships, technological upskilling, and inclusive hiring strategies emerged as the backbone of future-proofing Europe’s deep tech ecosystem. The insights provided through the breakout sessions revealed that collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning will play pivotal roles in overcoming workforce challenges and supporting the technological advancements needed to build a sustainable and equitable future.
The breakout sessions underscored the need for ongoing collaboration, adaptability, and innovation to build a dynamic ecosystem that shapes the future of deep tech education and workforce preparedness.
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