Factors influencing STEM participation and effective intervention strategies

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are increasingly recognised as critical drivers of economic competitiveness, innovation and sustainable growth in the European Union (EU). A robust STEM workforce is essential in order to address key societal challenges including labour shortages, skill gaps, achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and facilitating the digital transition (European Commission, 2020). Investments in STEM education and careers are, therefore, paramount to securing the EU’s future prosperity and global leadership in the 21st century. This report aims to provide evidence-based insights to guide EU policies aimed at increasing participation in STEM. The report draws upon a wide range of international research while prioritising findings that originate from (or are relevant to) the EU context. To that end, this investigation will first seek to identify the pivotal factors that influence decisions to pursue STEM education, across individual, social and institutional levels.

Authors:

JAIME POLANCO-JIMENEZ, Leuven Economics of Education Research, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Economics at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia 

KRISTOF DE WITTE, Leuven Economics of Education Research, KU Leuven, Belgium; UNU-Merit, Maastricht University, the Netherlands

Cite this publication as:

European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Polanco-Jimenez, J. and De Witte, K., Factors influencing STEM participation and effective intervention strategies, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/4854833