Forging new pathways of research and innovation in open and distance learning

eLene4work – Developing a Framework for Soft Skills and Digital Soft Skills for Employability
Deborah Arnold et al.
Comparative analysis
The first stage in the project was to carry out a comparative analysis. This is a crossinstitutional
analysis focusing on the identification of the most important soft skills needed
for successful transition from university education to the labour market, compiling and
comparing studies, initiatives and practices in each partner country on the following topics:
• soft skills gap in students approaching the labour market;
• digital soft skills (soft skills 2.0) in students, new workers and young people in general.
This document provides a clear overview of the state of art of each country involved and set
an important milestone for the partnership, in order to find a common point of view as a base
to start the activities of the project. Furthermore, it includes a comprehensive review of
current literature on employability skills and surveys by government, non-profit, and
industry-affiliated organisations from Europe and third countries, identifying the range of soft
skills relevant for new graduates. We take into account multiple perspectives of scholars,
researchers, experts in human resources, employers and educators/teachers, in order to
compare and contrast different views/perceptions on the subject, identify misconceptions and
rank priorities for soft skills development.
The report hopes to enhance understanding of which soft skills are the most important for
today’s new employees and indicate key areas for soft skill development at University level.
The document also highlights the innovative experiences carried out in the different countries
to contribute to developing knowledge on European best practices.
The report covers:
• the adoption of studies focused on transversal skills and soft skills 2.0 the project
(literature exchange);
• the definition of soft skills and digital soft skills (on the base of the choice done, a common
eLene4work definition of soft and digital skill will be given, using the same glossary and
standard of classification)
• a comparative analysis on what happens in each countries (for example if the soft skill gap
in young people approaching the labour market regards the same skills or if there are
differences influenced by the different cultures);
• the initiatives carried out in the country partners to ‘fill this gap’ (best practices research);
• the supportive services that have been developed and how are these local initiatives are
recognised by the labour market in terms of quality.
Reaching from the roots – 9 th EDEN Research Workshop Proceedings, 2016, Oldenburg 345
ISBN 978-615-5511-12-7