SYNCLUSIVE is an EC funded project under Horizon Europe that is developing research and innovation to stimulate the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labor market. The project is being carried out by sixteen research, academic and stakeholder organizations and SMEs across Europe, using Living Labs as a central research approach.
The project is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing labor market inclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups across the European Union. By focusing on education and skills development, it empowers individuals in Bulgaria, Finland, the Netherlands, and Portugal to access better employment opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive society. Strategic partnerships with local and international organizations, academic institutions, and government bodies further support this mission, providing resources and facilitating the transition of young people into the professional world.
In Portugal, the project collaborates with various stakeholders, including Iscte (BRU-Iscte, DINÂMIA’CET-Iscte, and ISTAR-Iscte), the Youth Employment Observatory, the National Institute for Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), TermCerto, the Portuguese Association for Supported Employment (APEA), and Rede do Empresário (REDO), among others. The initiative underscores the importance of sector-specific and soft skills training to improve employability and career progression, highlighting the comprehensive and collaborative approach needed to drive broad social impact and job market integration.
Four Portuguese Living Labs are dedicated to training young people in areas of technological innovation. They offer inclusive labor market options and collaborative efforts between academia, workers, policymakers, and stakeholders. SYNCLUSIVE provides qualifications through specialized courses that prepare participants for the challenges of the labor market and facilitate their transition into the professional world. SYNCLUSIVE’s National Coordinator, Prof. Maria José Sousa (BRU-Iscte), asserts: “The Living Lab is not just a specific space or room. It is all of us and the relationships we build between each organization and the young people we work with.”
