Redesigning Skills for the Twin Transition: A Path Toward Sustainable Innovation

The transition to a circular economy has reshaped organizational processes, demanding a workforce equipped with skills capable of managing and driv-ing change. The twin transition, which integrates ecological and digital im-peratives, introduces an additional layer of complexity, requiring strategic adaptations at both individual and organizational levels. Building on recent literature, this study develops a framework to redefine skills in the digital era, emphasizing the interplay between hard and soft skills. European Economic and Social Committee has recognized the urgency of addressing the skills gap within the green labor market, advocating for targeted training programs to align workforce capabilities with evolving industrial and regulatory de-mands. Similarly, the International Labor Organization highlights the poten-tial positive impact of circular business models on employment, stressing the need for structured skill development initiatives. Despite these policy efforts, there remains a lack of an integrated approach to defining, identifying and measuring the skills necessary for navigating the twin transition. This study addresses this gap by: (a) identifying key skills required for ecological and digital transitions; (b) examining the mechanisms through which these skills are embedded in organizational practices; and (c) assessing whether these skills emerge as entirely new constructs or as transformations of pre-existing skills. Methodologically, the research employs Content Analysis to examine job postings on major online platforms, offering an empirical perspective on labor market trends. By bridging theoretical insights, this study contributes to the academic discourse by proposing a systematic approach to competence development in the context of sustainable and digital transitions, providing valuable guidance for policies aimed at narrowing the gap between tradition-al and emerging professional roles.