Flexicurity: how can it be conceptualised and measured in a comparative perspective? Ton Wilthagen, Flexicurity Research Programme Ruud Muffels, Department of Sociology Tilburg University, the Netherlands

Flexicurity: high on the policy and academic agenda

The Danish golden triangle – a hit record! ‘Golden triangle' is the latest track released as a single from the album ‘Will see you now‘ by Brighton electro-beats types Caged Baby

Outline of this presentation 1.Views on flexicurity 2.Main concerns for policy-makers and academics 3.Research designs and availability of data 4.Current research focus on flexicurity 5.A comparative and longitudinal approach

Views on flexicurity Normative or empirically-oriented concept? Flexicurity as a “state of affairs” or as a type of policy? If “state of affairs” then flexicurity policies are not necessarily in place If flexicurity policies then “state of affairs” may be reached or not (yet) Two main strategies: normalization of atypical/flexible work (Netherlands) vs. flexibilization of normal/typical work (Denmark)

Main concerns for researchers and policy-makers What is flexicurity (exactly)? Definition of concept, operationalization, indicators etc How can flexicurity be pursued and promoted? What are critical (pre)conditions? Need to change psychological and social contract? What are the effects of flexicurity policies or systems, flexicurity for whom? Winners and losers. Can flexicurity policies/models be ‘transplanted’ to other countries, can countries learn from each other? Are there various roads towards flexicurity, flexicurity for all countries? Country size, impact of economic situation, business cycle, macro economic factors

Research designs and availability of data Do we have enough data for country- comparisons? Too many countries are insufficiently represented Longitudinal data, e.g. for life course approach, are only now being collected and developed Social partners and states are important but research should also focus on markets, firm, networks in contributing to flexicurity Not enough attention paid to informal systems of flexibility and security.How does informal economy relate to formal economy? Theories on flexicurity should be further developed: reflexive labour law, actor-centered institutionalism More attention to relationship between inclusion and exclusion in view of flexicurity systems

Figure: Coordination mechanisms and the provision of flexibility and security Coordination mechanism Associations social partners collective agreements Networks of firms, clients, suppliers etc Hierarchies (individual) firms State at various levels Markets including submarkets Crucial condition for Mechanism Mutual trustMutual interests Reflexivity/ good employership Legitimacy and enforceability Scarcity and information Type of flexibility Provided - Wage - Functional - External - Functional - Internal - External - Internal - External - Internal - Wage Type of security provided - Job - Employment - Combination - Employment- Job - Combination - Job - Income - Combination - Job - Employment - Combination

Current research focus on flexicurity Aspectteam Policies and preconditions of flexicurityTAGC Criticial conditions Danish caseCARMA, FAOS Performance of flexicurity systems/regimesWSI, Tilburg, ETUI Security aspects of flexible workNiederR, WSI, TAGC Flexicurity across life-courseTilburg, NiederR Flexicurity in Eastern/Mid EUTartu, ILO Application of flexicurity in restructuringLENTIC, Tilburg Flexicurity older workersAmsterdam/CARMA Flexicurity new industriesTilburg, LENTIC Legal aspects/European policyAmsterdam/Tilburg/Maastricht Principles, concepts, checklistsCARMA, Tilburg, CoE, Tartu TAGC=Tilburg, Amsterdam, Groningen, CARMA team

A grand scheme on flexicurity and its conditions? (too complicated for slide) regimes countries use of coordination mechanisms reliance on forms of flexibility combination with forms of security [basic levels] [econ. tide?] [sense of urgency] [architects]

Danish Golden Triangle Flexible labour market Generous welfare schemes Active labour market policy Main axis Qualification effect Motivational effect

Silver Square or Trust Square Flexibility Activation policies Employment security Social security Main axis: trust and support Motivation Qualification Active safety net/trampoline

What should be the focus of our policies? Flexicurity policies security flexibility job security employment security Income security combination security external-numerical flexibility Make transitions pay internal-numerical flexibility Optimalize working-time policies functional flexibility Make employability work flexible or variable pay Relate wages to company performance

What should be the focus of our policies? (2) Make employability work: Stimulate regional cooperation and coordination among companies, schools and labour market intermediairs Facilitate training for workers aimed at job outside own company, sector of industry or profession Improve career guidance structures Proposal: create a “right to career guidance” (cp. suggestion Luc Sels)