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Page 2 of 55
With changing economic and social conditions, the success of any country is now centered on
education. It is a known fact that human assets are a key factor in the fight against unemployment
and low wages; however, there is now overwhelming evidence that human assets are not only an
economic benefit, but are also associated with the health and welfare of the population.
According to the OECD-Study 2004: EDUCATION AT A GLANCE: OECD INDICATORS - 2004
EDITION – ISBN-92-64- 015671 © OECD 2004
“Knowledge empowers ideas and future perspectives” – All parents in this world want good education
and training and a secure job for their children. This requires a well-working economic cycle.
Vocational education and training has special importance; its main task is to build a stable bridge
between economy, vocational education and training and labour market. This network and
cooperation is needed for the improvement of existing economic structures and for the effective
increase in employee qualification. A close link between research and teaching is highly desirable, as
is a cooperation of all networking partners.
Job orientation and career planning should be started at an early stage, ideally in kindergarten.
Correct and early guidance in a person’s job orientation is desirable and saves costs. The right choice
in the field of work can support personal development and enables a person to build on their
strengths for early on.
The economy needs well-educated people who are methodically, professionally and socially
competent and are emotionally intelligent; people who have visions, ideas and goals; people who are
used to working autonomously; people who are willing to make decisions; people who are capable of
teamwork; people who are curious about everything new and do research because they are
interested; reliable, creative people who think positively and recognize complex connections; people
who know their boundaries but are eager to grow and learn; people who engage in life-long learning;
and people who want to gain qualifications and competencies necessary for an integration in the job
market.
“In order to remain fit for globalization and to receive its rewards, Europe needs to continue to
become a knowledge society. Our affluence can persist only if we use our intellectual resources more
efficiently, invest in the smartness of our citizens and support life-long learning.”
Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, member of the European Kommission, responsible for Foreign Affairs
and European neighbourhood politics
Knowledge transfer’s transgressing duties all serve the goal of “knowledge balance”; knowledge
balance also means social balance. Knowledge transfer makes possible the creation of new jobs, the
securing of income and affluence, and simultaneously supports the economy.
It is the duty of the big international players to offer education and vocational training, and it is
essential to build international networks for knowledge transfer. National initiatives are not enough;
international activity is asked for. NGOs and companies operating in the private sector need to
support the subject matter of knowledge transfer. Investments in human resources are, after all,
investments in the people’s future.
I hope that you enjoy this edition and remember to send in any comments to me
ingrid.trenner@kist-consult.com or to Ms. Elke Schmidt elke.schmidt@kist-consult.com.
I am now very honoured and delighted to introduce Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, Federal Chancellor of Austria
as our Special Guest Commentator.
as our Special Guest Commentator.
Pleasant reading!
Ingrid Trenner (CEO, KIST – Consulting – GesmbH)