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

d.delissen-jacobs@acv-csc.be,

krepriels@acv-csc.be

0032473/66.70.90 (Dries)

0032486/968013