ROOT at the Space & Water Nexus Hackathon: Strengthening skills and career guidance in Earth Observation

During the Space & Water Nexus Hackathon, teams work on solutions that use Earth Observation and other data to address challenges in water and related areas such as infrastructure and environmental monitoring.

Developing, testing and scaling these solutions requires a combination of Earth Observation expertise, sector knowledge, business capabilities and an understanding of end-user needs. As technologies and their uses evolve, skills requirements also change, creating new demands for professionals, employers and the organisations supporting their development.

The EU-funded project ROOT examines these changes and strengthens the connection between the needs of the downstream Earth Observation sector, opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, and the career guidance available to adults. Through research, Living Labs and cooperation with employers and career-guidance professionals, the project will develop practical resources that support professional development and help SMEs prepare for evolving workforce needs. The Space & Water Nexus Hackathon offers a platform to develop and apply skills in Earth Observation and data analysis while working on real societal challenges with end users.

What ROOT will deliver

• Analysis of skills needs and career pathways in Earth Observation
• A Living Lab-based career-guidance model for adults
• Practical tools supporting upskilling and reskilling decisions
• Career-guidance materials and Earth Observation sector skills profiles
• Resources supporting workforce development within SMEs
• Evidence-based recommendations for skills and employment policies
• Approaches that can be transferred and applied across Europe

ROOT’s first result

ROOT’s first report examines the relationship between Earth Observation policy, skills development and labour-market needs at EU level and in selected national policy contexts. It identifies gaps and opportunities for strengthening the connections between sector development, workforce needs and career guidance.

Read more about the findings and access the EO Policy Analysis Report.

What comes next?

2026: Stakeholder engagement framework and Living Lab methodology

2027: Career-guidance research, guidance materials and sector skills profiles

2027–2028: Regional Living Labs, an EO career platform and practical guidance tools

2027–2028: Policy recommendations and a blueprint for adult upskilling and reskilling in Earth Observation