The three-day event, organised by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the Union for the Mediterranean, on youth employment in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) has begun in Turin. The first day of meetings focused on so-called new forms of work, with a particular emphasis on the platform economy sector.
The ETF study on new forms of work in SEMED countries highlights the main trends in the region and provides some figures on platform workers in different countries (including the shocking 380% increase in online working platforms since 2017), but it also highlights an important aspect that is clear to all speakers and participants: the lack of data and statistics, coupled with the reluctance of the main companies in the sector to provide essential information for policy studies.
Following a lively exchange of perspectives among the participants from non-governmental organisations and institutions from SEMED countries, several fishbowl discussions were held to identify opportunities and threats for the platform economy sector in the regions. As one of the guests noted: “The ecosystem is changing and it is our duty to witness this movement.”
In the dynamic landscape of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean’s platform economy, one discussion revealed a tapestry of opportunities. From enhancing digital skills and unleashing creativity to fostering social entrepreneurship in rural areas, the region is poised for transformative change. Participants emphasised a paradigm shift in the region: “Valuing skills over diplomas,” as one participant brilliantly summed up.
(euneighbours)
