Turn around when possible: mapping European communication competences

Purpose: This synopsis of the European Communication Professional Skills and Innovation (ECOPSI) benchmarking Interim Report explains the complex landscape of competencies required by European communication practitioners and explores the underlying constructs that contribute to competence namely skills, knowledge and personal attributes. Design/methodology/approach: Through a partnership, the methodology draws on the expertise of six leading European universities in communication research around a common goal of mutual interest. The research approach draws on a systematic literature review along with an extensive desk research benchmarking technique conducted by each of the partners. The study builds on prior research on skills and knowledge of communication practitioners. Findings: The findings highlight gaps in knowledge about the specific competencies required by European communication practitioners and will underline the current contemporary issues faced by the profession. This information served as the framework for the ECOPSI program (an EU funded research project). Practical implications: The synopsis increases awareness of the competence and capability factors of communication professionals in Europe to key stakeholders. It aims to increase understanding of the training and development needs of communication practitioners across Europe. Social implications: The synopsis highlights what practitioners consider to be important skills, knowledge and personal attributes across different countries which is essential in today’s globalized industry. This contributes to EU mobility targets and expectations for European workers. Originality/value: This study benchmarks the educational and practice landscape in six key regions of Europe to demonstrate that the elements focusing on skills, knowledge and personal attributes of European communication professionals can be synthesized using competencies as the foundational element