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Research and innovation

Employment and new growth

Research facilitated by the Commission in this area and policy briefs from related projects. 

Research into social employment and new growth

The economic and social consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, technological changes and labour market developments have made it difficult for many people to find a new job and to secure stable, quality employment.

Creating growth and jobs are constant aims for the Commission.

Doing this means 

  • finding answers to the challenge of socio-ecologic changes
  • boosting the global competitiveness of European firms 
  • building cooperation and co-creation in socio-economic problems
  • supporting entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs
  • highlighting the role of the service economy and social innovations
  • promoting the contribution of intangible assets

The role of social sciences and humanities in this area

Social sciences and humanities (SSH) research contributes to these goals by providing knowledge, data, and answers.

SSH research underlines the trends, explains the tensions and paves the way for transitions  to allow the building of more smart, sustainable, inclusive, open and fair societies.

It analyses what is needed from Europe to successfully compete in international markets, and how the organisation of the knowledge sector (universities and research institutes) influences the behaviour of firms and markets in a globalised world.

SSH research evaluates the impacts of innovation, and whether outsourcing or concentration of research and innovation in Europe is the best option in global innovation networks. It also contributes to developing new business and social models, relevant for the delivery of a wide range of services.

SSH research also comes up with new and innovative ways of measuring intangible assets like research and development and intellectual property capitals, brand equity, firm training, organisational capital, software and databases.

Publications

Boosting jobs

Time to grow

Open the door

Their future is our future