March 5, 2023

Top 5 skills for cross-sector employment in the EU

Intersectoral employment, or cross-sector employment, refers to the practice of moving professionals between different sectors or industries, either within the same organization or between different ones. It involves using skills, knowledge and experience gained in one sector to contribute to another sector. For example, a person may work in the public sector and then move to the private sector or vice versa to apply their skills and experience in a different context. Cross-industry employment is becoming more common as organizations recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences. It can also provide people with the opportunity to acquire new skills, expand their professional network and gain a deeper understanding of different industries and sectors.

Also, for example, cooperation between the technology sector and the health sector can lead to the development of innovative solutions for health care, using technology.

Cross-industry employment in the European Union (EU) has some features that distinguish it from cross-industry employment in other parts of the world. Here are some of the key features:

1. Multilingualism: The EU is a multicultural and multilingual environment with 24 official languages.

2. Diversity: The EU is a diverse region with different cultures, social norms and values.

3. Regulations: The EU has strict regulations governing various sectors and industries, such as data protection, environmental protection and labor law. Professionals working in cross-industry employment in the EU should be aware of these rules and comply with them.

4. Cooperation: cross-sectoral employment in the EU often involves cooperation between different sectors and industries.

5. Innovation: The EU is a center of innovation with an emphasis on research and development. Cross-industry employment in the EU can present various challenges and problems for professionals, among them: language barriers, cultural differences, legal and regulatory complexity, lack of understanding and trust, different work cultures, etc.

Therefore, in contrast, the EU government comes up with various initiatives to stimulate cross-sectoral employment and promote cooperation between different sectors and industries. Here are some of the key initiatives:

Horizon Europe: the EU research and innovation program for the period 2021-2027, aimed at promoting interdisciplinary cooperation between different industries and sectors to stimulate innovation and solve societal problems;
Digital Single Market: this is an initiative aimed at overcoming obstacles to cross-border online activities and promoting digital innovation;
European Social Fund (ESF): supports cross-sectoral cooperation and partnership to eliminate skills gaps and promote employment of society in the EU;
Erasmus+: is a program aimed at promoting education, training and youth development in the EU, supporting cross-sectoral cooperation and partnerships between educational institutions, businesses and other organizations to promote skills development and innovation;
European Cluster Collaboration Platform (European Cluster Collaboration Platform): is a network platform aimed at promoting cross-industry cooperation between clusters of enterprises and other organizations.

In general, the EU government takes various initiatives to stimulate cross-sectoral employment and promote cooperation between different sectors and industries. These initiatives aim to overcome barriers to cooperation, promote innovation, close skills gaps and stimulate economic growth and social inclusion in the EU. Therefore, based on the above, cross-sector employment in the EU requires some skills, the mastery of which can bring various benefits, including improving employment, developing innovation, expanding communication opportunities, increasing cultural awareness and improving quick problem-solving skills.

Top 5 skills needed for successful cross-industry employment in the EU:

1. Adaptability: the ability to adapt to new conditions and be open to change, which is crucial for cross-industry employment. Professionals who are adaptable can quickly learn new skills and adapt to a different work culture, which can help them succeed in new sectors.

2. Communication skills: Effective communication skills are essential for cross-industry employment, especially in a multicultural and multilingual environment like the EU. Professionals who can communicate clearly and confidently can build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders from a variety of professions.

3. Project management skills: Cross-industry employment often involves managing projects, coordinating resources, and meeting deadlines. Professionals with strong project management skills can help ensure the success of cross-industry collaborations and initiatives.

4. Technical skills: depending on the specific sector and industry, professionals may need technical skills such as: data analysis, programming or understanding how programs work, etc.

Mastering them can help professionals contribute to cross-industry projects and initiatives.

5. Cultural Awareness: The ability to understand and respect cultural differences is essential for cross-industry employment. Professionals with cultural awareness can build better relationships and avoid misunderstandings in a multicultural environment like the EU.

Consequently, cross-industry employment in the EU is becoming increasingly important in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing business environment. Professionals with cross-sector skills can bring diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences to their work, leading to innovation, improved problem-solving skills, and increased networking opportunities.

Author:, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Accounting and Taxation of Sumy State University Serpeninova Yu.S. The publication was prepared within the framework of the Jean Monet module “EU experience for increasing the level of youth employment through the development of professional skills”, financed by the Erasmus+ program (ERASMUS – JMO -2021-MODULE -SKILLS4JOB-101047867).