This report was prepared as a contribution to discussions about Knowledge Society Foresight (KSF) in the Republic of Ireland. It draws on earlier work completed for the EUFORIA project by the Foundation, in which three pilot KSF exercises were undertaken for Finland, Germany and Greece. It...

This comparative study examines the role that national-level ‘social pacts’ between governments and social partners might play in paving the way for the new EU Member States and candidate countries to join EU Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and introduce the euro single currency. It points...

This report examines the findings of Statistics Finlandu0092s quality of work life surveys. It considers the many changes that have taken place in the working environment over a period of 25 years. Although there have been important improvements, the surveys reveal that certain physical work...

In 2003, the Foundation launched a project aiming to assess the usefulness of regional social capital (defined as u0091networks, norms, values and understanding within groupsu0092) and its possible role in the improvement of social inclusion and employment. This report provides examples of, and...

This report focuses on the deterioration of working conditions in France. Research over the past few years shows that work organisation has become increasingly complex and restrictive. Work rates and rhythms are faster, work is more repetitive, mental strain and stress are growing. The numbers...

The survey on quality of life in the workplace (in Spanish; Encuesta de Calidad de Vida en el Trabajo 2003) is carried out annually by the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. This is a summary of the 2003 results. Main findings are that: in general, Spanish workers are satisfied at...

This report is based on recent Foundation research into financial participation, incorporating the eight general principles outlined by the Commission in its framework Communication. It outlines the scale of financial participation across the European Union, highlights differences in national...

This paper considers information and analysis based on the Foundationu0092s data and case study examples on the role of services of general interest in promoting womenu0092s quality employment in the European Union. It highlights the importance of equal opportunity policies in shaping and...

The growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) has had a dramatic impact on almost all sectors and occupations, fundamentally changing the face of the workplace. This report looks at computer use and training provisions in Europe. Information technology use and skills are seen as...

Within the framework of its 2005-2008 four-year work programme, u0091Changing Europe, better work, better lifeu0092, this document defines the priorities for the first year: 2005. It presents a coherent set of activities aimed at supporting the key players in European social policymaking,...