Annual report 2023

A whole-of-government approach ensures that R&I policies work in close synergy and are mutually beneficial with other sectoral policies. Application of the whole-of-government approach to the design and implementation of national R&I strategies and plans will contribute to the transformation of Europe’s key socio-economic systems towards sustainability.

The main purpose of the mutual learning exercise is to create an informal medium where participating countries can learn from each other and from an exceptionally experienced expert panel, focus on policy issues, exchange lessons learnt and success stories to eventually gear and implement change in their policy-making strategy. Bulgaria, Finland, Malta, Romania and Slovakia are the Member States participating in this mutual learning exercise.

Starting from January 2021, PPMI coordinates the European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE), a project of DG EAC, that covers the economic aspects of education and training. The topics of expected returns, future demand for skill, schooling quality and educational production, human capital, educational finance, research and innovation in education, and education for sustainable growth (incl. economic growth, green economy and technological innovation) fall under the scope of the Network. The Network brings together over 30 high-level experts working in the field of economics of education, covering all 27 EU Member States, the UK, the US, Turkey and the Western Balkan region.

Network of Experts on the Social Dimension of Education and Training is a DG EAC project which has been coordinated by PPMI since 2015. The network currently unites over 60 members and almost 120 affiliated experts. NESET provides reliable, independent and rigorous scientific support, country-specific expertise, and advice to the European Commission in relation to the equity and social aspects of all types and levels of education and training. The Network also acts as a knowledge broker, bridging the gap between EU policy coordination and the academic world.

The European Toolkit for Schools emerged from the recommendations elaborated by the Education and Training 2020 Working Group on Schools Policy (2014-2015), as a practical, evidence-based tool, on how to better support schools and policymakers in preventing and reducing early school leaving, and with time its focus broadened to promoting inclusion overall, as well as supporting the implementation of the Council Recommendation on Pathways to school success. It stores numerous resources that can inspire practitioners to make their practices and evnironments more inclusive and equitable. It is fundamental that all Toolkit resources are peer-reviewed by at least two independent educational experts, with relevant experience in the development of educational resources. These experts are on the Editorial Board of the European Toolkit for Schools and have to ensure that only good quality resources make it into the Toolkit. PPMI is currently coordinating and supporting the work of the Board members.

A network of national experts on education covers all 27 European Union Member States and all levels and sectors of education from early childhood to higher. The goal of the network is to strengthen the analytical capacity of DG EAC's country desk officers and reinforce DG EAC's country-specific expertise. Experts are responsible for preparing country briefings, assessing reforms and country progress, contributing to comparative studies, preparing and delivering presentations, attending meetings, and providing ad hoc support/expertise to DG EAC, all in the area of education.

PPMI is a joint coordinator of the independent national experts on adult skills and learning policy, located in the 27 EU Member States (led by ICF). PPMI oversees the work of experts in 10 member states (CY, CZ, EE, EL, HR, LU, LT, SE, SI, SK). The network of experts supports DG EMPL with critical country-specific analyses. In 2023, the network experts delivered two status reports, presenting the recent reforms and developments in adult learning, and a report on green skills in adult learning.