In her 2022 State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission announced that 2023 would be the European Year of Skills. Closely linked to the world of work, Professional Higher Education can help meet the skills gaps Europe is facing and develop the broader competences required for the green and digital transitions. However, reinforced cooperation with business will be needed, as well as with other education and training institutions, governments, and civil society, which should develop regional skills ecosystems.

Industrial transition demands the reskilling and upskilling of workers at all ages and therefore adult learning will become more relevant for higher education. Furthermore, Europe needs more trained researchers in all regions to apply knowledge in SMEs. Amid this background of rapid economic and technological change, the 32nd EURASHE Annual Conference is an opportunity for inspiration and co-creation of human capabilities for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.