Workers participation in innovation Prelimenary results WIN project 1
Jan 25, 2017
Workers
participation in
innovationPrelimenary results WIN
project
1
Industrial jobs in flanders
1970: 47,7%
1990: 29,6%
2012: 16,9%
354.000 industrial
jobs
510.000 indirect jobs
in flanders
2
Responses Traditional
Work harder; Standardization; Delocalization;
Restructuring; Job losses; technology
dautomization; industry 4.0?
Alternative (product, process, organisation)
Innovative products; Alternative bussines models;
Circular economy; Sustainable technologies and
materials.
3
“We do not only want to remediate. We
want to be a partner for a better future for
the industry in Flanders and Belgium.
Social dialogue on all levels is an asset. It
adds a social dimension in innovation
processes.” (ACV green paper, providing a
future to the industry)
4
“The ACV believes in innovation, in innovative and
high-quality products. We believe in smart
technologies and production processes. Together
with good education and training. We believe in
innovative organization models that reinvigorate
industry.
They offer opportunities for job creation, for
improving job quality and working life and for
finding sustainable solutions to various societal
problems.” (ACV green paper, providing a future
to the industry)
5
6
Key questions
How do we stimulate workers participation in
innovation in the manufactoring industry?
Which role and involvement for trade unions?
How do other trade unions work? What are their
strategies and instruments?
7
WIN project 2 years (2015-2016);
In collaboration with an academic partner
KULEUVEN-HIVA
Case studies and country reports (Norway,
Germany, Ireland)
Tool development (webbased tool, training
materials);
Testing/valorization (trainings sessions for 625
workers representatives).
8
Countries and case studies
9
Findings (1)
Review of literaturePublic debate & economic theory
Empiric evidence
Indirect supporting role
10
Findings (2)Indirect role for trade unions: three pathways
(training, employee voice, high performing
work practices)
11
Findings on participation (3)
12
Findings (4) Limited role but no principal objections;
Rather:
Practical obstacles;
Questions about legitimacy on both sides
13
Bipartite
Stability
14
Bipartite
Stability
15
Recommendations
… Strengthen knowledge on (in)direct
participation;
… strengthen legitimacy in discussions
in innovation;
… network with other intermediate
supporting actors;
… Frame workers participation in broader
vision and strategy. Campaign.
16
Dries Delissen-Jacobs and Koen
Repriels
ACV Studiedienst
0032473/66.70.90 (Dries)
0032486/968013