Solution - Output 2.2 Transnational D4SEE Skills Gap Assessment Tools for the SE Sector in the Danube Region

The Transnational D4SEE Skills Gap Assessment Tools describe the results of two Skills Gap Assessment Tools tested and validated in the partner countries and provide guidance for their transferability across the Danube Region. The output aims to assess the skill levels of Social Enterprises (SEs) and Local Public Authorities (LPAs), identify the skills and strategic competences they need, and support the design of solutions to address identified skills gaps. The output contributes to Programme Output Indicator 3.1.2: Jointly developed solutions by providing the evidence base for the development of the D4SEE Capacity Building Programme, mentoring activities and the D4SEE digital training platform.

Mapping skills needs and capacity gaps across the social economy ecosystem

Output 2.2 provides a transnational analysis of the skills gaps and capacity-building needs of social enterprises (SEs) and local public authorities (LPAs) across the Danube Region. The output was developed based on the pilot testing of two D4SEE Skills Gap Assessment Tools implemented in nine partner countries and aimed to identify existing competences, priority training needs and areas requiring further development.

The assessment involved 231 social enterprises and 78 local public authorities, complemented by interviews with representatives of both target groups. The analysis examined a wide range of topics, including financial literacy, risk management, innovation, digitalisation, sustainable development, labour market inclusion, cooperation between public authorities and social enterprises, as well as challenges related to the green and digital transitions.

The results highlighted the need for stronger capacities in areas such as marketing and market expansion, risk management, sustainable business practices, access to finance, digital skills, data analysis and cooperation mechanisms between social enterprises and local public authorities. The assessment also identified opportunities to strengthen resilience, innovation management and the implementation of environmentally sustainable approaches within the social economy ecosystem.

The findings served as the evidence base for the development of the D4SEE Capacity Building Programme, mentoring activities and the D4SEE Training Platform, ensuring that future learning and support measures directly address the needs identified by stakeholders across the Danube Region. By providing a common transnational framework for assessing skills and organisational capacities, the output contributes to stronger cooperation, more effective policy support and the long-term development of the social economy sector.

Output 2.2 Transnational D4SEE Skills Gap Assessment Tools for the SE Sector in the Danube Region