Data-driven insights into achieving self-realization in education and work

The project examines how socio-cultural and economic inequalities affect access to knowledge and opportunities for personal growth. Our aim is to provide an unbiased perspective on the challenges young Europeans face in reconciling their economic status with their aspirations and in finding their place in society.

In this context, we critically engage with the European Skills Index (ESI), a composite indicator developed by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) to assess EU countries’ performance in developing, activating, and matching their citizens’ skills. While the ESI provides a valuable standpoint, its reliance on aggregated data may obscure important differences across specific fields, such as STEM and Humanities. By analyzing the index’s underlying data sources, we seek to uncover a more nuanced understanding of the interrelation between academic paths and employment opportunities.

Our perspective thus aims to “follow” the academic and professional trajectories of young Europeans in relation to the economic context, country by country. The analysis focuses on three key areas: high school education, college and career choices, and early adulthood employment situation.

Our project is rooted in the vision of the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4), which strives for inclusive, equitable, and quality education that empowers individuals throughout their lives. We address barriers to learning by focusing on target 4.3, advocating for equal access to higher education, and target 4.4, aspiring for everyone to gain the skills necessary for meaningful professional and economic participation.