The NEXT-UP project, funded under Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No. 101177484), responds to one of the most pressing challenges in post-pandemic Europe: the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on youth transitions from education to employment (YTSTW). The pandemic disrupted education systems, labor markets, and social structures, creating unprecedented uncertainty for young people entering the workforce. These disruptions have amplified inequalities, particularly for disadvantaged groups, and exposed systemic vulnerabilities in education and employment ecosystems. With a budget of nearly €3 million and a consortium of nine universities and NGOs across Europe, NEXT-UP is positioned to influence policy at national and EU levels. Its expected impacts include improved labor market integration for thousands of young people and the creation of adaptive, future-proof education and employment frameworks.
Politically and strategically, the project aligns with EU priorities for inclusive growth, social innovation, and resilient labor markets, supporting the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Youth Guarantee. It addresses the need for evidence-based policies that anticipate future skill demands and foster equitable opportunities for all youth.
NEXT-UP aims to explore and forecast the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on youth education-to-work transitions and co-create future-oriented, evidence-informed policies and programs. Its objectives include:
- Assessing labor market participation of youth (18–34) across six countries using innovative data sources such as social media analytics.
- Developing forecasting models to predict skill needs in emerging professions.
- Evaluating EU and national policies implemented since 2019 to support youth transitions.
- Designing inclusive strategies that prioritize disadvantaged groups and promote social and economic inclusion.
Methodologically, NEXT-UP combines Living Lab approaches, machine learning, psychometric surveys, longitudinal interviews, and agent-based modeling to triangulate insights. This interdisciplinary approach ensures robust evidence and actionable recommendations.
The project’s pathway to impact is built on co-creation and stakeholder engagement through the Quadruple Helix Model, involving policymakers, educators, employers, and youth organizations. By fostering social innovation ecosystems, NEXT-UP aims to:
- Enhance youth employability and agency in career choices.
- Strengthen resilience of education and employment systems.
- Promote inclusive policies that reduce inequalities and support vulnerable groups.
- Deliver scalable solutions for EU member states, contributing to sustainable growth and social cohesion.
