This article is part of EDU-LAB Newsletter II, which provides updates on the progress and findings of the EDU-LAB Horizon Europe research project. This contribution highlights the work of Work Package 3B (WP3B) and the development of the Online Survey of Experts and Stakeholders (OSES), a key component of EDU-LAB’s foresight activities. Since the publication of the newsletter, the project has reached an important milestone with the launch of the first round of the OSES Delphi survey in early 2026.

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OSES-Delphi Progress: From Expert Voices to Structured Foresight

Work Package 3B (WP3B) made significant progress in 2025 by completing the qualitative basis for the online survey of experts and stakeholders (OSES). Through an extensive round of exploratory expert interviews (EEIs), the WP3B team gathered rich and context-sensitive insights that are now being incorporated into the preparation of a structured, Delphi-like online consultation. With the project transitioning into 2026, WP3B has launched the first round of the two-round OSES survey.

Exploratory Expert Interviews

Between July and October 2025, national research teams in all EDU-LAB countries conducted a total of 47 expert interviews. Those interviewed included specialists with expertise in education systems, labour markets, economic sectors, policies and governance on the transition of young people from education to the labour market. The interviews were conducted either in the participants' native languages or in English and lasted between 30 and 110 minutes.

All interviews were recorded, translated and summarised according to a standardised procedure coordinated by Economica. This resulted in a consistent set of English-language based transcripts and summaries, which form the basis for further analysis.

Key themes emerging from the interviews

The interviews highlighted several recurring challenges that shape education and labour market transitions. Experts pointed to discrepancies between educational provision and labour market needs, limited availability of practical and workplace-based learning opportunities, and unequal access to guidance and support services. Digital transformation and the rapid development of new technologies were identified as both opportunities and risks, particularly in terms of skills gaps and unequal access.

Social inequalities were frequently cited as a key factor influencing education and employment outcomes, as were governance challenges related to the coordination between institutions and policy levels. Many experts also emphasised the importance of motivation, agency and well-being for young people's education and employment trajectories.

From interviews to the OSES Delphi survey

The findings from the EEIs are currently being compiled into a series of thematic statements that form the basis of the Delphi-like OSES survey.

These statements are being evaluated by experts in terms of their significance, policy relevance and expected future development. The first round of the OSES survey was launched in early 2026 and will be followed by a second round, which will allow participants to reflect on aggregated group feedback and contribute to a structured collective foresight.

In the coming months, the project will continue to broaden expert engagement through the OSES Delphi survey, inviting structured reflection fr

om a diverse group of stakeholders across Europe.

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