GTC EN Articles

The European economy is currently undergoing a profound transformation, linked to the need to move towards a low-carbon and digital economy. This process, known as the twin transition, brings both challenges and opportunities for workers and businesses. The GTC project 'Growth through transformational changes in the industrial sector influenced by the EU Green Deal and digitisation and proactive participation of workers in restructuring the changing working environment', by examining the experiences of seven European countries (Poland, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania and Spain), provides valuable insights into these changes and how to take advantage of them. The challenges faced by European companies and their employees are discussed in a separate article.

Twin transition can open up new opportunities for companies. It creates favourable conditions for innovation, allowing companies to gain a global competitive advantage. It also enables the creation of new business models, based on data and digital services, as well as increasing production efficiency and reducing costs. Companies that successfully implement the transformation can gain new customers and strengthen their position in the market.

For employees, too, the twin transition is creating opportunities. Digitalisation and decarbonisation are opening doors to new professions and specialisations. Employees have the chance to acquire new skills and grow professionally in dynamic sectors and enter new career paths. With the development of technology, new forms of work are emerging, such as teleworking or more independent ways of structuring the tasks performed, allowing greater autonomy and flexibility in the organisation of working time. The twin transition requires not only technical skills, but also soft skills such as creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. The development of these competences is crucial for success in today's labour market.

The GTC project highlights the key role of social dialogue in managing the twin transition process. Therefore, without extensive dialogue between trade unions, employers and governments, the above-mentioned opportunities from twin transition will be less likely to materialise and the challenges may lead to social exclusion and business deterioration. A twin transition process can contribute to a more sustainable, innovative and competitive economy that does not threaten the climate and improves the quality of life of Europeans.