Green Jobs: What Strategies Can Foster a Sustainable, Competitive, and Inclusive Ticino?

The Institute for Economic Research (IRE) of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is organising the 2024 edition of confronti, titled "Green jobs - What strategies for a sustainable, competitive and inclusive Ticino?". The encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 December, at the West Campus Lugano Aula Magna.

To secure a sustainable future for both current and future generations, development that is environmentally responsible and economically balanced is essential. It is a collective challenge we must face. Ticino, Switzerland, along with many other countries, is at the forefront of this effort, creating long-term action plans to tackle the significant transformations occurring today.

What does progress in the ecological transition truly entail? It involves deeply reevaluating our consumption and production models, extending beyond just the energy sector. It requires bold investments in the infrastructure of the future, covering areas such as construction, transportation, and industrial processes. At the heart of this transformation are green jobs, which are set to become the foundation of a new economy where economic growth aligns with environmental respect. Simultaneously, certain professions will gradually decline.

This change will create new opportunities for citizens and businesses but also present significant challenges. We will need to focus on reskilling the workforce, training new generations, and supporting the transition of those currently employed in industries with a high environmental impact. It is not just about securing new jobs; it's also about developing secure, stable, and value-generating professions within a responsible and inclusive work environment.

The encounter will provide an opportunity to address several crucial questions:

What new professional figures will emerge? How can companies remain competitive by embracing sustainability? And how can we design an education system that responds to these new needs, ensuring no one is left behind?

The 2024 edition of confronti will provide a valuable opportunity to explore these questions in depth. Experts from academia, industry, and institutions will contribute to discussions on strategies to promote green job development while maintaining a balance between innovation, competitiveness, and social inclusion.

The encounter will open with a presentation by Professor Francesco Vona, Professor of Economics at the Department of Environmental Science and Policies (ESP) at the University of Milan. He will address the topic of green jobs and the shortage of skills and workers in energy transition. Professor Vona will discuss how to ensure a fair transition for workers and regions, emphasising the importance of retraining policies.

Moreno Baruffini, a researcher at IRE, will speak in the second part of the morning to give an overview of the development of a labour market focused on green professions in Switzerland. Our editorial team interviewed him briefly to gather his views:

As Switzerland transitions to a green economy, what are the main challenges to be faced?

"One of the biggest challenges for Switzerland is aligning the workforce to the needs of the green economy. Currently, there is no clear or widely accepted definition of what constitutes a 'green job,' nor is there consensus on the specific skills required for these positions. This lack of clarity complicates policy planning and makes it difficult to monitor the impact on employment. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that no worker is left behind in this transition and that companies can find the qualified personnel necessary to support the shift toward a greener economy."

And what strategies are public policies and employment services adopting to tackle these obstacles?

"Public Employment Services (PES) are increasingly focusing their efforts on skills profiling, career guidance, and retraining and upgrade programmes for workers. It is a crucial step in addressing the structural changes associated with the green transition, which will necessitate new skills in various sectors. Additionally, it is vital to collaborate with other labour market stakeholders, such as companies and training institutions, to effectively meet emerging skills needs and ensure high levels of employability and occupational mobility."

Which economic sectors in Switzerland will benefit most from the energy transition?

"The construction and energy sectors are likely to experience significant growth in labour demand due to increased investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. In particular, the adoption of technologies such as photovoltaic panels and heat pumps will create new job opportunities, especially in technical and operational roles. However, the phase-out of fossil energy sources may lead to a reduction in employment in maintenance-intensive areas, particularly those related to fossil fuels."

What are the long-term prospects for the Swiss labour market amidst this transformation?

"The green transition will undoubtedly lead to a greater demand for specialised skills, particularly in engineering and technical fields. Therefore, investing in training and retaining skilled workers will be crucial. With a dynamic labour market and an innovative industrial environment, Switzerland is well-positioned to meet these challenges. However, continuous adaptations will be necessary to support a sustainability-oriented workforce that is prepared for a low-carbon future."

The event is open to all and offers an important opportunity to participate, on 3 December, in a discussion on the future we wish to build: a future in which green professions not only address environmental challenges, but also become the engine of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, capable of preserving the planet for future generations.

The detailed programme is available on the event website.
To participate in the event, please register via the following link: Confrontations 2024 registration.