Each year, the 'who's who' of the economy and politics meet at Fedil's New Year's reception. The message to the politicians present was clear: all socially progressive measures are carried by companies, which is not as evident as one may think.
Fedil president Nicolas Buck spoke about the great challenges that industry faces. First of all, Buck explained, companies must keep up with the progress in digitalisation. He then emphasised that companies also have to deal with the pressure emerging from social measures that help ensure that employees have a better work-life balance. The biggest challenge, according to Buck, is education.
Buck was adamant that the lack of education concerning technology is perhaps the major challenge of the generations working today, a point of view echoed by prime minister Xavier Bettel. To that end, Europe must work harder to create a unitary digital market.
Buck also emphasised that Luxembourg must remain on the ball when it comes to artificial intelligence. To do this, the education system should explore those crucial competencies. Currently, there are not enough people studying STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Buck's message also had an environmental component: to face up to the challenges of climate change, companies and industry require people having specialised in this area.
Last year, Fedil celebrated its 100th birthday and has over 600 members. Buck took the opportunity of the New Year's reception to laud the federation's diversity and strength.
