Highlights

In 2024, the highest number of employees in high-tech sectors was recorded in the Île-de-France region of France, with 498,000 people, followed by 304,000 in Comunidad de Madrid, Spain, and 282,000 in Lombardia, Italy.

Île-de-France also boasted 327,000 female scientists and engineers, surpassing Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany, which recorded 286,000.

Core Human Resources in Science and Technology

Across the European Union, there were 126.2 million individuals aged 15 to 74 classified as human resources in science and technology (HRST) in 2024, making up 49.2% of the labor force.

Among these, 101.1 million met educational criteria and 80.5 million met occupational criteria. The most relevant subset, ‘core HRST’, consists of individuals who meet both criteria, contributing to scientific and technological progress.

Regions with a substantial presence of core HRST are likely to experience higher productivity and attractiveness for graduates and businesses. For instance, the Polish capital region, Warszawski stołeczny, reported that 74.3% of its labor force fell into this category in 2024.

Employment in High-Technology Sectors

In 2024, the EU had a total of 10.7 million people working in high-tech sectors, representing 5.2% of total employment across the region.

This subset of the labor force is not just crucial for economic growth, but it also typically involves well-paying jobs, with significant employment located in major metropolitan regions. Capital regions such as Île-de-France and Comunidad de Madrid are at the forefront of this trend.

The employment distribution shows a heavy concentration in a few regions, as 22 regions reported over 100,000 employees in high-tech sectors, collectively accounting for 37.7% of the EU total.

Women in Research and Innovation

In 2024, Europe employed 19.6 million individuals as scientists and engineers, accounting for 8.9% of the total labor force. Notably, women represented 40.4% of this group, with 7.9 million women engaged in scientific and engineering roles.

Île-de-France and Nordrhein-Westfalen had the highest female figures at 327,000 and 286,000 respectively, but overall, women remain underrepresented in many areas within science and technology fields.

Active measures to boost female participation, especially in STEM, are underway, represented through initiatives encouraging mentorship, education, and equitable hiring practices.

Conclusion

As the EU progresses towards a knowledge-driven economy, the importance of highly skilled human resources in science and technology cannot be overstated. Addressing the gender gap in the workforce will also be vital for fostering innovation and sustainable growth in this sector.