Generational Perspectives on Key NextGenerationEU Themes: Insights from Cross-National Surveys |
|
| Coordinator 1 | Dr Ruxandra Comanaru (European Social Survey) |
| Coordinator 2 | Dr David Consolazio (University of Milan) |
| Coordinator 3 | Dr Yuliya Kazakova (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute) |
As Europe embarks on its journey towards a greener, more digital, and resilient future, understanding the generational dynamics behind key societal transformations is essential. The recently launched Infra4NextGen project, funded by the European Commission, leverages data from major social science research infrastructures to support the goals of the NextGenerationEU recovery plan, with a focus on youth policy and the priorities of "Make it Green," "Make it Digital," "Make it Healthy," "Make it Strong," and "Make it Equal."
This session invites contributions that explore generational differences and their implications for the NextGenerationEU themes across Europe. Researchers are encouraged to investigate how attitudes toward these five priorities vary across birth cohorts and regions, and how such variations relate to broader socio-economic and cultural contexts. Possible questions include: How do younger and older generations differ in their views on climate action, digital transformation, and health resilience? What role do generational differences play in shaping opinions on equality and social cohesion? How do these differences influence broader societal change and policy development?
Submissions should draw on cross-national survey data such as the European Social Survey, Generations and Gender Programme, European Values Study, International Social Survey Programme, European Quality of Life Surveys, Eurobarometer. These data sources provide a rich foundation for examining key issues, from values and institutional trust to attitudes toward welfare, immigration, and democracy. Both conceptual and methodological contributions that shed light on generational dynamics and their societal impacts are welcome.
By combining generational insights with the NextGenerationEU framework, this session aims to foster discussions that contribute to the shaping of Europe’s future, informed by robust, cross-disciplinary research. By exploring the attitudes and values of different generations, researchers can provide key recommendations to policymakers, ensuring that initiatives under the NextGenerationEU program are responsive to the diverse needs and aspirations.