ELMI 2025 Conference – in-depth research and vivrant discussion to support the labour market in the face of change

The ELMI conference on “Jobs, Skills, and Productivity in Structural Transformations,” organised on 7 and 8 October 2025 by IBS in Warsaw, brought together 50 researchers from around the world to explore the multifaceted impacts of structural changes on the labour market.

Anna Salomons, from Tilburg University and Utrecht University, presented her paper, “Expertise at Work: New Technologies, New Skills, and Worker Impacts,” which delved into how advancements in technology are reshaping the skill requirements in the workplace. She highlighted the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling to ensure that workers can adapt to these technological shifts, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and educational policies that support this transition. Michel Serafinelli, from King’s College London, discussed “Coal Phaseout and Local Jobs,” focusing on the economic and social implications of the transition away from coal. His presentation underscored the challenges faced by regions heavily dependent on coal, including job losses and economic disruptions.

The conference also included eight sessions that explored a range of topics related to structural transformations, including decarbonization, digitization, and technological change. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions on how these transformations are affecting jobs, skills, and productivity across various sectors and regions.

The conference concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for policies that support a just transition. Participants emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among governments, educational institutions, and private sector entities to face the challenges of structural transformations in a joint effort and to ensure that the benefits are widely shared. The event fostered a collaborative environment in which researchers could exchange ideas, share findings, and develop new research agendas to address the complex challenges posed by structural economic changes.

We are eagerly awaiting next year’s ELMI 2026 conference, which is to be held in Maastricht under the auspices of ROA.