Future-proofing the Regional Workforce: Policy and Practice in Low-carbon Skills Development

The COMMIT Briefing Paper 2 explores how regions across Europe are equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the skills necessary to navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. The paper examines the current landscape of low-carbon skills policy and practice across seven European countries, highlighting the diversity of regional approaches.
Across the case study regions, technical and digital skills emerge as the most prioritised areas of training. In contrast, soft skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and collaborative competencies often receive less emphasis, despite their critical role in supporting long-term adaptability and organisational resilience. Some regions, notably Rogaland (NO), IJmond (NL), and Western Macedonia (EL), stand out for their efforts to improve inclusivity and diversity in access to training, ensuring that workforce development supports broader goals of social equity and participation.