The transition of the European economy towards a sustainable and digitally mature production model is one of the most significant challenges facing today’s labour market. The European Union has recognised that the green and digital transition is not solely about technological progress, but primarily about adapting the workforce to new skill requirements. Within this context, the development of reskilling and upskilling mechanisms constitutes a core pillar of the European Skills Agenda and the “Digital Decade 2030” strategy.
The Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry actively participates in the European project COOPSKILLS, making a substantial contribution to strengthening business resilience and employability through targeted skills-development actions. The Chamber’s involvement focuses on connecting businesses, employees, training providers and innovation organisations, creating a dynamic ecosystem of cooperation that responds to the real needs of the economy.
According to research by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), approximately 46% of workers in the European Union will require significant skills upgrading by 2030, while demand is increasing for professional profiles that combine digital knowledge with sustainability-related skills. At the same time, studies by the European Commission indicate that almost 90% of jobs now require basic digital skills, while 40% of businesses report difficulties in finding workers with adequate technological competencies.
These findings are also confirmed by international organisations. According to the OECD, the green transition is expected to bring about substantial changes in the structure of employment, increasing demand for skills related to energy efficiency, sustainable production and the circular economy. In parallel, research by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by 2030 more than 375 million workers worldwide may need to change occupational activities due to automation and the digitalisation of the economy.
Within this environment, the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is developing multi-level actions under the COOPSKILLS project, strengthening the capacity of businesses in the capital to adapt to emerging challenges. A central element of its contribution is the development and operation of Reskilling Labs, which function as pilot spaces for cooperation among business organisations, employees and training providers. Through these labs, real skills needs are analysed, practical training programmes are designed, and innovative educational approaches based on experiential learning are promoted.
At the same time, the Chamber implements actions to map labour-market needs in Nicosia, drawing on its continuous communication with member businesses and professional associations. This process helps identify skills gaps in critical sectors of the economy, enabling the design of targeted training programmes that respond to the actual needs of enterprises.
An important part of the Chamber’s activity is the promotion of cooperation between the business community and educational institutions. Through the organisation of thematic workshops, knowledge-transfer events and networking activities, the link between education and the labour market is strengthened, facilitating the adoption of new technologies and sustainable production practices.
Particular emphasis is placed on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the Cypriot economy. According to European Commission data, SMEs account for over 99% of businesses in the European Union, yet they face greater difficulties in accessing training programmes and technological upgrading. Through COOPSKILLS actions, the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry facilitates businesses’ access to skills-development tools and enhances their ability to meet the requirements of the green and digital transition.
The Chamber’s contribution also extends to the formulation of policy proposals for skills development, drawing on the experience and data collected through its participation in the project. Through cooperation with European partners, good practices are promoted that can be implemented at local level, strengthening coherence between education policies and economic needs.
The participation of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the COOPSKILLS project confirms its strategic approach of investing in human capital as a key driver of sustainable growth. By continuing actions in cooperation, training and knowledge exchange, the Chamber actively contributes to shaping a labour market based on innovation, sustainability and continuous skills development, while further reinforcing Nicosia’s role as a centre of business and professional development.
