The European Union (EU) has reported a remarkable growth in its science and technology workforce, with a notable increase in female representation, according to Eurostat’s latest statistics from June 2023.

Workforce Expansion

In 2023, the number of individuals employed in science and technology fields within the EU reached approximately 78.3 million. This figure represents an increase of nearly 3% from the previous year, continuing a positive trend observed over the last decade.

Since 2013, the EU’s science and technology employment has surged by 25%, showcasing the sector’s robust growth.

Gender Representation

Women accounted for 52% of the workforce in this vital sector, illustrating significant progress toward gender equity. However, disparities exist, particularly in specific regions and professions.

• Malta exhibited the lowest percentage of women in science and technology at 45%.
• Conversely, Latvia and Lithuania led with 63% of their science and technology workforce being female.

Challenges for Women in Science and Engineering

Despite the overall increase in female representation, women remain underrepresented in the fields of science and engineering. They constitute only 41% of professionals in these areas. Nonetheless, the total number of women engaged in these roles has grown significantly, increasing from 5.1 million in 2012 to 7.7 million in 2023—a 50% rise.