Farewell lecture Joop Schippers: 'All talent counts'
On Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 4:15 pm, Prof. Joop Schippers took his leave as Professor of Labour Economics of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, in particular the School of Economics and the Strategic Research Theme Institutions for Open Societies (platform Future of Work) at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ. On this occasion, he delivered a farewell lecture entitled: ‘Alle talent telt’ ('All talent counts').
In his farewell lecture, Joop Schippers reflected on the past, present and future of work and the labour market. Central themes from his nearly half century at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, such as gender issues, the position of older people in the labour market and employee participation, were also discussed.
He emphasized the increased role of institutions (the written and unwritten (behavioural) rules) on the labour market) and suggested how institutional changes can lead to better labour market outcomes, for example in terms of the transition from work to retirement.
Call for a broad societal discussion
In relation to the shortage in the labour market, Schippers calls for a broad societal discussion about how we can develop all the talent that society has. In this discussion, in addition to experts, citizens must also have a say in which activities and social activities should be given priority in the future, according to Schippers.
Schippers briefly summarized his speech in the following conclusions:
Although the labour participation rate in the Netherlands is high, not all talent is used (optimally).
- We have little to expect from the labour market as a market when it comes to the integration and development of 'all' talent.
- Institutions do not necessarily do better than the market.
At the same time, the 'invented' (manmade) character of institutions also offers opportunities: you can change them, even if it is not always easy. It is good to make a distinction between formal institutions (laws, collective agreements, etc.) and informal institutions (norms, rules of practice, etc.). These do not always coincide and you do not change them in the same way. - Social science research can make an important contribution to understanding how institutions (do not or no longer) work and whether or not they contribute to a politically/policy-wise desired outcome of how the world of work is organized.
- Continuous monitoring is necessary, not only in light of the shortages in the labour market (as a result of demographic developments), but also because the preferences and circumstances of citizens and businesses are constantly changing. And when it comes to gender and age, a more systematic approach is desirable.