We are pleased to announce that PPMI has completed a comprehensive study focusing on the new forms of work across the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region on behalf of the European Training Foundation (ETF). The study explored the emergence of online freelancing and platform work in the region and their implications for employment and education and training policies.
Covering nine countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia, the study aimed to shed light on the current state and impact of online freelancing and platform work. Through a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including desk research, web scraping from online platforms, interviews and focus groups, the study provided an insight into the prevalence of online and on-location platform work in the region, worker profiles, working conditions, and policy implications.
Key areas of focus within the study included:
- The importance of new flexible working arrangements: The study highlighted the importance of online freelancing and platform work within the region's labour market and analysed the prevalence of online and on-location platform work, organisational models, working conditions, profiles of online and on-location platform workers and career and on-the-job skills development options.
- Opportunities and challenges: By conducting a SWOT analysis, the study examined the opportunities and challenges posed by the emergence of new forms of employment. The study aimed to inform policymaking in relation to quality job creation, inclusiveness and skills formation and utilisation. Particular attention was paid to the needs of women and young people, especially as regards their transition from school to work and between jobs.
This study complements the analyses of the same research questions implemented by PPMI in Central Asia, Western Balkans, and Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The results of this study will inform ETF in its participation in the international debate about the future of work in EU Neighbourhood and Central Asia. This will ultimately feed into EU efforts in the Mediterranean region as part of the 2021 New Agenda for the Mediterranean, which emphasises employability of young people and women. Following the adoption of this Agenda, in 2022, the new Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Jobs through Trade and Investment in the Southern Neighbourhood was launched. The focus of this study is closely related to the themes of this TEI, and should also inform an upcoming initiative of the European Commission to support young people in in their inclusion in civic and social life and to raise awareness of the Youth Guarantee and opportunities for NEETs.
The publication of these findings marks an important milestone in the journey towards a more dynamic and responsive labour market landscape in the SEMED region, setting the stage for joint efforts to shape a prosperous and equitable future of work.
