Despite the crucial role of creative small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU economy, obtaining transnational data on the needs of the arts and crafts sector, especially regarding rapidly evolving skills, is challenging. This study addresses this issue using a mixed-method approach, leveraging evidence from MOSAIC – an Erasmus+ project focused on enhancing job-oriented skills in arts and crafts through Inclusive Centres of vocational excellence. The project examines how these sectors can better respond to emerging social needs and changes and develop education at vocational education and training (VET) centers accordingly.

The research was conducted in six countries (France, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, Canada, Armenia) through a structured online questionnaire targeting 290 arts and crafts businesses in the partner countries, along with six focus groups involving 36 business representatives. The collected data was analyzed using a combination of statistical analysis and qualitative coding, addressing both current and future skill requirements.

Findings indicate that while arts and crafts businesses are genuinely interested in social inclusion, digitalization, and sustainability, they face challenges in implementing these concepts, often encountering paradoxes and conflicting situations. These challenges can be addressed by developing specific skills related to: personal development (e.g., versatility, flexibility, autonomy, self-criticism, lifelong learning, perseverance, and a proactive mindset), work-value relation (e.g., motivation, will, curiosity, punctuality), entrepreneurship (e.g., change management and creative entrepreneurship), digitalization (e.g., digital literacy and digital intelligence), and cooperation and collaboration (e.g., relational abilities).

In conclusion, the study provides empirical evidence of the need to build integrated skill sets combining personal and technical abilities to enhance the adaptability and resilience of future entrepreneurs and workers. The study's limitations include high uncertainty about future developments and its limited geographical reach and sample size.

Keywords: Skills gaps, Arts and Crafts, Education, Development, VET Centers.