Bioeconomy meets education: changing skills requirements

The use of bioeconomic processes places special demands on skilled workers. The TransBIB project examined whether existing training programmes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries already meet these requirements or whether adjustments are necessary in its study entitled "Competence requirements of chemical-pharmaceutical training occupations for a bio-based future".

The study was based on interviews with experts to find out which skills will become necessary as the industry becomes increasingly biologised. These were compared with the content of the curricula for the relevant apprenticeship occupations in the form of a skills matrix.

The study identifies key areas where action is needed and highlights existing challenges in implementing new content. In particular, it reveals significant gaps between the curricula of chemical and pharmaceutical training professions and the requirements of professional practice. Above all, digital skills, such as the use of AI tools and adaptability to new technologies, are largely lacking, even though experts consider them essential. Lifelong learning, innovative ability and systemic thinking are also hardly structured in any way. Technical skills, on the other hand, are well covered, as is interdisciplinary communication. At the same time, job profiles are changing: instead of creating new professions, existing roles such as chemical laboratory assistants and biology laboratory assistants are being expanded to include content on digitalisation, sustainability and bio-based processes. New specialist areas such as biomass logistics and resource recovery are being incorporated into hybrid roles that combine technical knowledge with ecological and regulatory awareness. The results underscore the need for targeted modernisation of curricula in order to prepare skilled workers for an increasingly digital and sustainable industry.

The entire study can be found in the TransBIB Knowledge Centre. In addition, there is a compact two-page document that summarises the most important findings of the study and quickly highlights the need for action.