On November 24, 2023, the Hungarian Employers’ and Industrialists’ Association (MGYOSZ) organized a scenario-building workshop in Pécs. The event aimed to explore the future of the regional labor market with the involvement of experts.

The current economic and social environment is often referred to as the “era of multiple crises,” where rapid and unpredictable changes require new approaches to strategic planning. To address this, MGYOSZ applies the strategic foresight methodology, which includes developing possible future scenarios.

The central question of the workshop was: What will the labor market of the South Transdanubian region look like in 2035? The participants aimed to understand potential future challenges and opportunities, considering the region’s specific characteristics.

The workshop took place in Pécs, bringing together experts, decision-makers, and interested participants. Facilitated discussions and interactive exercises encouraged collective thinking throughout the day. One of the event’s key objectives was to explore regional labor market trends and compare them to national developments.

The main topics covered included:

• Expected trends in labor supply and demand
• The impact of digitalization and automation on employment
• Regional differences and potential solutions
• Employers’ adaptability and resilience
• Key Findings and Conclusions

The workshop highlighted that one of the region’s major challenges is the migration of young workers and skill shortages in certain sectors. Additionally, technological advancements have a dual impact: while creating new opportunities in some areas, they may lead to job losses in others.

Experts emphasized that companies and decision-makers need to develop proactive strategies to address these changes. The transformation of education and vocational training, along with increasing workplace flexibility, could be crucial for sustainable development.

The event successfully provided participants with a deeper insight into regional labor market trends and facilitated the creation of possible future scenarios. MGYOSZ aims to use the workshop’s findings to contribute to the development of a long-term, competitive labor market strategy. The future of the labor market remains uncertain, but preparedness and foresight are key to successful adaptation.