1. Social and educational change in Central Europe Janos Setenyi GCEE Budapest 2009

2. Old countries – new democracies (GDP 2008)

3. From rag to riches Lack of long-lasting democratic traditions (except of Czechoslovakia) Demoralizing effect of communist rule Inherited economic crisis and the high costs of economic change/transition Peaceful transition (except of Romania) to democracy Stable governments and public administration Economic revival and growth since the mid 90s period Reasonably good infrastructure and improved environmental conditions EU-membership in 2004

4. The ageing continent

5. Changing societies Expansion of secondary and higher education, Expansion of white-collar jobs and service economy, collapse of the traditional industries, University degree’s rate of return still very high, The rich countries provide social benefits, the poorer send the unemployed to the West (Poland, Romania) The rise of the Roma (no third world migration yet)

6. Educational performance in international comparison PISA 2006 reading skills

7. Educational performance in international comparison PISA 2006, low performing students (%)

8. Average literacy performance of students according to secondary school types, PISA 2006

9. Digital opportunity index in Europe, 2006

10. Future challenges Create a new society with democratic values, entrepreneurship and high fertility Improve language education Develop vocational education to train highly skilled workforce for future economy Create some world class universities in the region Mobilizing innovation in order to climb up on the global value chain Improve the social intergation of the disadvantaged groups (especially the Roma) Start a social dialogue on mass migration from the South/East