Forecasting skills demand for regional smart specialisations: The example from the Lubelskie region Cover Image

Prognozowanie zapotrzebowania na umiejętności dla inteligentnych specjalizacji regionalnych. Przykład z województwa lubelskiego
Forecasting skills demand for regional smart specialisations: The example from the Lubelskie region

Author(s): Piotr Maleszyk
Subject(s): Labor relations
Published by: Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
Keywords: skills demand; skills forecasting; RIS3; regional policy; Delphi method

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes a methodological approach for developing qualitative regional skills forecasts to support the implementation of regional innovation strategies within the RIS3 framework. Subsequently, the research identifies priority transversal and occupational skills for the five smart specialisations of the Lubelskie Region: high-quality food, green economy, healthy society, digital society, and material technologies, production processes and logistics. The forecasts are based on 60 in-depth interviews with enterprise representatives and a three-round online Delphi survey involving 40 experts on the regional labour market. Skills were evaluated using an importance–change matrix, assessing current relevance and the projected trend of change until 2035, enabling the identification of key priorities for public support. The results confirmed that four transversal skills: adaptability, digital skills, creativity and innovation, and critical thinking and complex problem-solving, are essential across all innovative activities in the region. It also outlined 10–12 priority occupational skills for each specialization. The paper calls for a stronger alignment between innovation policy, regional knowledge assets and territorially oriented skills policy. Strengthening regional skills policy can also enhance regional economic resilience and support the ability to seize growth opportunities arising from the green and digital transitions.

  • Issue Year: 2026
  • Issue No: 79
  • Page Range: 73-89
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish
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