PPMI has been contracted to manage the European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE) to address the critical need for robust, independent scientific advice on the economic dimensions of education and training within the European Union. The primary challenge lies in ensuring that European-level policy development and cooperation in education and training are informed by the most recent evidence, particularly concerning how education contributes to sustainable growth, the expected returns on investment in education, and the efficiency of such investments. This is especially pertinent given global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the vulnerability of the education sector to funding cuts and the need for strategic investment to foster economic recovery and societal well-being. The network aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy-making, supporting the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education and Culture in navigating complex policy reforms and their implications.
EENEE’s operation is multifaceted, structured around three core functions: advisory, knowledge brokerage, and knowledge dissemination. As an **advisory network**, we swiftly respond to the European Commission's ad-hoc questions, providing concise, evidence-based guidance on specific policy issues. We proactively track emerging research trends by systematically reviewing leading academic journals and gathering insights from our network members through semi-annual surveys, ensuring the Commission is informed of the latest developments and potential policy-relevant topics. Furthermore, our experts actively participate in conferences, seminars, and working group meetings, offering their expertise and contributing to policy discussions. As a **knowledge broker**, the network synthesises existing European and international research into analytical reports (approximately 25 pages each) and short policy briefs (around 2 pages), as well as ad hoc reports (5 pages). These deliverables identify key dimensions of a topic, translate complex research findings into clear policy lessons and recommendations, and highlight effective policy approaches. This process involves comprehensive literature reviews and, where necessary, limited primary research or secondary data analysis. For **knowledge dissemination**, we leverage a redesigned, user-friendly website, social media platforms, and a quarterly newsletter to ensure broad outreach to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. We also organise webinars accompanying analytical reports to foster direct engagement and discussion.
The project delivers a continuous flow of high-quality, policy-relevant insights. Specifically, the results include:
* Up to ten ad-hoc replies annually, providing timely scientific advice on urgent policy questions.
* Four analytical reports each year, offering in-depth reviews of key economic aspects of education and training, such as the impact of education on sustainable growth, returns on investment, and efficiency.
* Up to four policy briefs annually, summarising the main findings of analytical reports or existing research in an accessible format.
* Regular updates on research trends and relevant areas for future policy cooperation, feeding into the Commission's strategic planning.
* Active participation of experts in key European policy events, enhancing the evidence base for policy discussions.
* A dynamic, publicly accessible website and active social media presence, ensuring wide dissemination and engagement with network outputs.
These deliverables collectively enhance the European Commission's analytical capacity, support evidence-based policy formulation, and foster a deeper understanding of the economic implications of education and training policies across the European Union.