The OECD is grateful to the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission for contributing financial support and expertise throughout the project. We are especially grateful to Ann Branch, Head of Unit, EU Skills Agenda, and Carlo Scatoli, Senior Expert, skills and qualifications.
We extend our warm thanks to the over 60 representatives from various governments, the European Commission, and the OECD, who generously shared their insights during workshops. Additionally, we would like to thank the experts consulted for the case studies in Croatia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands and Poland, as well as the government representatives who provided valuable feedback through the policy questionnaire.
Bart Staats was the OECD Project Leader responsible for managing this project and co-authoring the report. Andrew Bell, Head of OECD Skills Strategies and Deputy Head of the OECD Centre for Skills, supervised the project, provided analytical guidance and co-authored the report. Other authors of the report in alphabetical order include: Cecilia Ivardi Ganapini, Maria Regina Tongson and Tamar Friedman Wilson. Darragh Mckee Mathews provided background research and support for workshops.
While the report draws upon data and analysis from the OECD, national authorities and other published sources, any errors or misinterpretations remain the responsibility of the OECD team.
El Iza Mohamedou, Head of the OECD Centre for Skills, oversaw the project, while Stefano Scarpetta, OECD Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, and Mark Pearson, OECD Deputy Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, provided strategic oversight.
Tara Byrne (OECD Centre for Skills) and Jennifer Cannon (OECD Centre for Skills) provided invaluable support for mission organisation, report layout and design and publication planning. Julie Harris provided proofreading and editorial support.