Nowadays, living and working conditions of EU citizens alter in a very fast pace due to globalization, accelerated technological progress and demographic change. Therefore,challenges European economies have to cope with are for example:
- Increasing international trade and thus worldwide economic integration,- An expansion on global reserves of workforce,
- An adjustment of labour division between industrialized and emerging markets and - A successive significance of human capital in course of a community of knowledge.
On the one hand, to remain competitive this change1 means that firms within EU countries have to establish new markets while the requirements on mastering production processes and forms of organization increase. As far as employees are concerned, they
have to be willed and capable to tune in to those labour market changes. Thus, life long learning and mobility become the very basics of success. In the same time higher pressure on wages and employment of low level qualified people can be seen in course
of ongoing processes in job specialization. On the other hand, there has been an establishment of awareness within Europe of a
common social model which carries the characteristics of:
- Social cohesion, solidarity and the abatement of social poverty and discrimination, - Securing general access to a health and education system as well as broad social covering and - A significant role of the public sector to provide the necessary infrastructure.
This shows that social security within the European society is strongly anchored which forms a certain constant in the approach of new reforms. Hence, flexicurity as an essence of the adaptability pillar of the EES has the task to strike the balance of a more flexible labour market to preserve European competitiveness with security of the social model. To achieve the objective of the Lisbon Strategy of full employment, enhancing
quality and productivity at work as well as to underpin social and territorial cohesion flexibility and security are absolute mutually supportive. That is, to remain competitive only a dynamic, innovation oriented and business friendly economy provides those necessary resources that enable also the maintenance of social governmental structures.
Table of Contents
3. Introduction
4. The definition and concept of flexicurity
4.1. Concept of flexicurity in the EU
4.2. Danish Flexicurity Model
4.3. Debate of Flexicurity Model in the EU
5. How to implement flexicurity
5.1. Flexible and secure contractual arrangements
5.2. Extensive strategies for life long learning
5.3. Effective active labour market measures & modern systems of social security
6. The eight common principles
7. Flexicurity as a combination of flexibility and security
7.1. Dimensions of flexibility
7.1.1. Internal flexibility
7.1.2. External flexibility
7.1.3. Complementary and substitutionary variations
7.2. Dimensions of Security
7.2.1. Secured subsistence income
7.2.2. Integration into systems of social security
7.2.3. Employability
7.2.4. Interdependence within the dimensions of social security
8. The Social Dialogue
9. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the concept of "flexicurity" as a strategic model for European labour markets, aiming to reconcile the necessity for economic flexibility with the maintenance of social security standards. It analyzes how different EU member states adapt this model to navigate the challenges of globalization and demographic change.
- Theoretical definition and EU-wide implementation strategies of flexicurity.
- Comparative analysis of the Danish Flexicurity Model versus other European systems.
- Evaluation of flexibility dimensions (internal vs. external) and security measures.
- The role of lifelong learning and social dialogue in policy success.
- The balance between contractual flexibility and social protection.
Excerpt from the Book
4. The definition and concept of flexicurity
It is widely agreed that flexicurity cannot be defined as a one size fits all concept but rather as a broader concept resulting from several descriptions where flexicurity shall be the answer to an upcoming challenge that contains structural reforms. Possibly the best known definition refers to Wilthagen and Tros who give flexicurity a normative definition as they see it as an integrated strategy “…that attempts, synchronically and in a deliberate way, to enhance the flexibility of labour markets, work organisations and labour relations on the one hand, and to enhance security – employment security and social security – notably for weaker groups in and outside the labour market on the other hand.” This definition reflects purely the core of this thought that goes conform to the future policy of finding the balance between flexibility and security. Hence, the purpose is a combination of employment and income security with flexible labour markets, working organizations and relations.
Summary of Chapters
3. Introduction: Discusses the fast-changing economic environment in the EU and identifies flexicurity as a vital approach to maintain competitiveness while upholding social standards.
4. The definition and concept of flexicurity: Defines flexicurity as an integrated, normative strategy designed to balance market flexibility with worker security.
5. How to implement flexicurity: Outlines four key pathways and implementation components, focusing on contractual arrangements, lifelong learning, and active labour market measures.
6. The eight common principles: Explains how the initial policy concepts were refined into eight generalized principles by the European Council to guide member states.
7. Flexicurity as a combination of flexibility and security: Analyzes the specific dimensions of flexibility (internal and external) and security (income, employability, social integration) that comprise the model.
8. The Social Dialogue: Highlights the critical role of social partners and stakeholders in negotiating and implementing flexicurity measures.
9. Conclusion: Summarizes that while flexicurity offers a pathway to economic growth and social cohesion, its success depends on context-specific adaptation and robust social dialogue.
Keywords
Flexicurity, Labour Market, European Union, Social Security, Flexibility, Employability, Lifelong Learning, Lisbon Strategy, Social Dialogue, Contractual Arrangements, Economic Competitiveness, Employment Policy, Workforce, Social Model, Job Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the concept of "flexicurity" within the European Union, specifically how labor market flexibility can be combined with social security to improve economic outcomes.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the definition of flexicurity, the Danish model, implementation pathways, the dimensions of flexibility and security, and the necessity of social dialogue.
What is the research goal?
The research aims to understand how flexicurity functions as an integrated policy strategy to balance the demands of the Lisbon Strategy for competitiveness with the maintenance of the European Social Model.
Which methodology is used in this work?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis of EU policy documents, economic studies, and theoretical definitions provided by scholars like Wilthagen and Tros to evaluate different national labor systems.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body details the evolution of the flexicurity concept, its implementation through four EU-defined pathways, and a breakdown of its specific flexibility and security dimensions.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Keywords include Flexicurity, European Union, Labour Market, Social Security, Employability, and Social Dialogue.
Why is the "Danish Model" highlighted?
The Danish model is considered a pioneer for achieving high employment rates and stable economic growth through a unique blend of low job protection, high security, and active labor market policies.
What is the distinction between internal and external flexibility?
Internal flexibility involves adjusting labor within a firm (e.g., working time accounts), while external flexibility relates to adjusting the number of employees through hiring and firing or fixed-term contracts.
How does the author view the role of social dialogue?
The author argues that social dialogue is essential to ensure that employers and employees discover synergies and share the responsibility for transforming labor market strategies.
- Quote paper
- Dennis Sauert (Author), 2009, Flexicurity as one model of labour market policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138911
