PATHFINDER project
PATHFINDER is an international project exploring how young people perceive the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work and employment. Through dialogue between young people, employers, experts, and decision-makers, the project aims to provide a space for young people to express their views, concerns, and expectations regarding the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The project is implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, and Serbia, with a particular focus on involving young people facing various barriers in the labour market, including young people with fewer opportunities, members of minority groups, people with lower levels of education, and young people from socio-economically vulnerable backgrounds.
Through research, public discussions, and practical activities, PATHFINDER contributes to a better understanding of young people’s needs in the digital age and supports the development of recommendations that can contribute to fairer and more inclusive employment policies.
The aim of the project is to empower young people to actively participate in discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market, improve their digital and professional skills, and contribute to the creation of public policy recommendations that reflect the needs and perspectives of young people.
Target group
- Young people aged 18 to 30;
- Young people with fewer opportunities, including young people with a migrant background, young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged environments, young people with lower levels of qualifications, as well as members of other minority groups;
- Employers, experts and decision-makers involved in the dialogue on the future of work.
Final beneficiaries
- Young people who will gain new knowledge about artificial intelligence, the labor market and digital competences;
- Civil society organizations working with young people;
- Employers and institutions developing employment policies and digital transformation strategies;
- Decision-makers at national and European level.
Activities
- Research on young people’s attitudes towards artificial intelligence and the future of work;
- Organisation of local and international dialogues between young people, employers, experts and decision-makers;
- Workshops aimed at developing digital competences, soft skills and employability skills;
- National and international forums, knowledge exchange and sharing of experiences among partners;
- Digital campaigns and activities aimed at encouraging youth participation in public discussions;
- Development of recommendations for improving policies related to youth employment in the era of artificial intelligence.
Expected results
- Improved understanding of young people’s attitudes and needs regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the labour market;
- Increased participation of young people in decision-making processes through structured dialogue;
- Enhanced digital competences, soft skills and understanding of artificial intelligence among young people;
- Developed recommendations for improving public policies based on research findings;
- Established international network of partners and young participants fostering knowledge exchange and sharing of good practices.
The project is coordinated by CREDI (Centre Development Evaluation and Social Science Research) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the local project partners are Young Researchers of Serbia from Serbia, SEERC (South-East European Research Centre) and Light Trees from Greece, PCO (Policy and Citizen’s Observatory) from Bulgaria, and Europsky Dialog from Slovakia.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union through the CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) program.
Implementation period:
1ˢᵗ April 2026 – 31ˢᵗ March 2028.
Location:
Republic of Serbia
Budget:
372,355.00 €
Donor:
The project is funded by the European Commission (CERV Programme 2021–2027).
Area/Thematic focus:
Youth, artificial intelligence, citizens’ participation in decision-making processes
