1. Competence policy in Flanders: a curse or a blessing for the Chemistry & Life sciences sector? 29 November 2007 Frans Dieryck CEO

2. Agenda Competence policy in Flanders –Result of European policy –Competence agenda 2010 A curse... –Problems Or a blessing? –Opportunities Concrete actions taken

3. Competence policy in Flanders As a result of European policy Lissabon strategy: –EU must become most dynamic and competitive economy by 2010 Regional translation: –micro – macro economical challenges –increasing employability

4. Competence policy in Flanders Competence agenda 2010: introducing competence policy in Flanders Approved by government, employers and unions Basic principle: Every talent counts 10 priorities

5. Competence policy in Flanders 1.Building competences via education 2.Alternation work/education 3.Entrepreneurship in education 4.EVC (transferable experience) 5.Unqualified labour 6.Competence policy 7.Elderly workers 8.Incentives for workers 9.Werknemerschap 10.Sectoral view

6. A curse… Problems to deal with: Diversity of the Chemical & Life sciences sector Employers want to understand: Whats in it for me? Workers/unions fear impact on contracts and conditions

7. Or a blessing? Opportunities? Supporting process and product innovation Engaged workers Increased flexibility

8. Concrete actions taken 1.Inventory of what already exists… …will lead to overview of what is still needed 2.Implementation of competence policy via pilots in selection of companies 3.Results/experience to be used in sectoral approach 4.Installation of competence management centre on a sectoral base

9. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION