ECLBS and ALCC Strengthen Education–Business Cooperation for Digital Skills and Workforce Development
- May 27
- 2 min read
Issued on 27 May 2026
The European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce (ALCC) are pleased to issue this joint statement following a three-day meeting held from 25 to 27 May 2026.
The meeting brought together two complementary sectors. ECLBS represents a network of business schools and education institutions, while ALCC represents a network of companies and the business sector. Both organizations recognize that education and business are not competing fields, but connected partners that must work together to prepare employees, employers, and future professionals for the digital age.
During the three-day meeting, both parties discussed the latest needs of employers and employees in a rapidly changing labor market. The discussions focused on digital skills, professional training, lifelong learning, quality education, workplace readiness, and stronger cooperation between education providers and companies.
Both organizations agreed that the modern workplace requires employees who are not only academically prepared, but also able to use digital tools, communicate effectively, solve problems, adapt to new technologies, and continue learning throughout their careers. Digital skills are now important across many sectors, including administration, trade, finance, logistics, education, tourism, hospitality, services, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
ECLBS and ALCC also emphasized that practical education and employer engagement are essential for future workforce development. Education institutions can support learners with knowledge, structure, and quality learning pathways, while companies can provide real insight into labor market needs, workplace expectations, and emerging professional skills. This cooperation can help create training programs that are more relevant, flexible, and useful for real working life.
The meeting underlined the importance of lifelong learning in the digital age. As technologies and business models continue to change, employees need regular opportunities to update their skills. Short courses, professional training, digital learning, workplace-based learning, and continuous development can help employees remain confident, productive, and ready for future challenges.
Both organizations agreed that quality education and practical training can build stronger trust between employers and employees. When learning is connected to real workplace needs, it supports employability, productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
The three-day meeting also highlighted the value of European-Arab cooperation. ECLBS and ALCC expressed their shared interest in strengthening dialogue between education networks and business networks, encouraging knowledge exchange, and exploring future initiatives that support digital readiness, professional development, and international cooperation.
Following the meeting, ECLBS and ALCC agreed to continue communication and explore possible areas of cooperation in professional education, digital skills awareness, employer engagement, quality development, and workforce readiness.
This joint statement reflects a shared commitment to building stronger bridges between education and business. Both organizations believe that the future of work requires cooperation, trust, and continuous learning. By bringing together the education sector and the business sector, ECLBS and ALCC aim to support a more skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce.
Issued jointly on 27 May 2026.
European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) / Latvian Chamber of Commerce (ALCC)
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