Commission launches ENESET to bridge education research and policy

This new initiative, funded by the European Commission, aims to provide clear, actionable evidence to help build better education systems.

About ENESET

Managed by PPMI, ENESET will serve as a key knowledge broker for  the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), connecting academic research with policy action to support the goals of the European Education Area.

ENESET is founded on the strategic merger of two highly respected predecessor networks: the Network of Experts on the Social Dimension of Education and Training (NESET) and the European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE). 

By combining social and economic perspectives on education, ENESET will provide policymakers with an integrated evidence base to address the complex challenges facing Europe's education and training systems.

Leading experts

The network brings together nearly 60 leading experts from all EU Member States and beyond. 

These experts cover a wide range of academic backgrounds and thematic areas, including quality and inclusive education, skills development, lifelong learning, digital and green transitions and educational investment, among others.

Core mission and main activities

ENESET's core mission is to develop and disseminate policy-relevant knowledge through a set of key functions. 

Its main activities include the continuous development of analytical reports and the provision of ad hoc expertise to support the European Commission with rigorous policy evidence and recommendations. Analytical reports developed by the previous NESET and EENEE networks will remain available to website visitors, who may also request access to older publications.

ENESET will soon launch its pioneering repository of counterfactual studies - a publicly accessible database that will systematically map and synthesise findings from experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations of education policies across the EU.

Finally, through a 'Research to Policy' webinar series starting in September, and a proactive communication strategy, ENESET will ensure its findings reach a wide audience of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.

Planned reports for 2025

The network's initial work programme for 2025 is already tackling some of the most pressing issues on the EU policy agenda, with major reports planned on:

• Boosting participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM)
• How to promote excellence in basic skills
• Effective strategies to support students from vulnerable backgrounds
• The impact of mobile phone bans in schools
• Models of effective school leadership in times of crisis
• Improving financial literacy for children and young people

For more information on the ENESET network, its experts, and its 2025 work programme, please visit this new website. We will soon share more information about upcoming publications and planned activities!