big trends

I M A G E F R O M S H U T T E R S T O C K . C O M

Achieving GE will significantly advance the STEM labor force, research and innovation, enhance the economy, and reduce the risk of women’s social exclusion to the benefit of society.

This article considers the main issues regarding GE in STEM in Europe including an analysis of the reasons for its necessity; a description of the European Union’s strategy, measures, initiatives, and activities toward achieving GE; and, finally, their anticipated impact.

Gender Balance in STEM and
the Necessity for Gender Equality

The recent momentous growth of the digital production sector offers extended employment opportunities for STEM and ICT-skilled employees. Within the European Union (EU), employment of STEM-skilled personnel increased by 12% between 2000 and 2013.4, 7 According to the Tech Nation journal, in the U.K. alone, 1. 46 million people ( 7.5% of the country’s workforce) are employed in this sector. 13 Future increases are anticipated. The European Commission (EC) for example, estimates that by 2020 over 900,000 additional employees will be needed in the IT sector whereas for the entire STEM sector, seven million job openings are forecast by 2025.4

Despite the good present employment opportunities and the future occupational prospects, European countries face a conspicuous labor shortage in STEM, which tends to be more pronounced in the digital sector. 4–7 The number of young persons pursuing STEM-related studies is decreasing, contrary to the increasing number of university graduates, while a significant proportion of current STEM employees are approaching retirement age. 7 Consequently, ICT- and STEM-related professions are among the top five occupations facing skill shortage in Europe. Excepting Finland, all EU member states lack such professionals. 4 Thus, labor force availability and recruitment in the field are becoming increasingly more challenging. A con-

WOMEN’S PERSISTENT UNDERREPRESENTATION in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
education, occupations, and careers in various parts of
the world and its negative impact on STEM labor force
and research and innovation (R&I) have given rise to
measures, projects, and initiatives aimed at promoting
gender equality (GE). In Europe, gender balance in
R&I is understood as a social justice and equality
issue. Various measures (for example, regulation
and research framework, bodies, agencies, funding
schemes, prizes, and awards) have been implemented
at the European Commission (EC) and European
Union (EU) levels to increase women’s participation
and include the gender dimension in R&I
Women
Are Needed
in STEM:
European
Policies and
Incentives
DOI: 10.1145/3312565

BY PANAGIOTA FATOUROU, YOTA PAPAGEORGIOU,
AND VASILIKI PETOUSI