Industrial change and corporate restructuring are central topics of the renewed Lisbon strategy. European Union policies to anticipate changes aim to limit the negative effects of restructuring, by preserving social cohesion, and try to take advantage of the shifts for underpinning economic growth and employment.

     These challenges have to be faced by assuming that proper management of change should be based on foresight and requires solid partnerships. In this respect, the involvement of the social partners is a crucial factor in driving change positively through consensual

decisions which can result in sustainable solutions.

     Further, building a knowledge-based society in Europe, combining competitiveness and

social cohesion, requires continuous skill provision. It is widely acknowledged that the role of lifelong learning is of paramount importance in supporting competitiveness and employability,

and in promoting mobility of the labour force. 
     This project brings these issues to light, reporting the results of a peer learning activity held in Lisbon in 2006, organised by Cedefop in cooperation with Apoceep, the Portuguese branch of the European Centre of Enterprises with Public Participation, Enterprises of General Economic Interest (CEEP), and the Portuguese Employment and Vocational

Training Institute (IEFP).

     The report provides evidence, through different analytical perspectives and practical cases, of the usefulness of social dialogue and of education and training, as well as of the importance of the social partner dialogue in dealing with industrial change. These three tools are the right ones to support management of change and restructuring at sectoral and

company levels, regardless of whether in an expanding economy or in recession.

     This peer learning experience is an initiative of Cedefop to establish partnership with the social partners in lifelong learning. It aims at using and disseminating good practices.

     In addition, we expect this Cedefop outcome will contribute to encouraging further policy debate, directly connected with employment strategy, economic growth and social wellbeing in Europe.

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