The OSE structures its research around five core strands, each of which embodies our expertise and extensive body of work. These strands guide the projects we take on and, ultimately, the knowledge we deliver.
Thought leadership in action
Experience has taught us a lot, and our core areas of expertise reflect that.
Social protection and inclusion
For over 13 years, we have been conducting applied research on social protection systems across Europe as well as on policies at the EU level. Our work spans comparative reports in areas such as access to social protection for non-standard workers, financing, long-term care, pensions, among others. We have frequently worked on topical issues as they emerge – such as the impact of Covid-19, the protection of non-standard workers, and other challenges that have gained new relevance.
On some occasions, our research has directly contributed to informing European-level initiatives and policy reports.
Lead:
Healthcare policies
For over 20 years, we’ve been analysing healthcare developments at Belgian and European level. Our core task is to monitor EU policy developments that have an impact on national health care systems, as well as to conduct ad hoc studies on national healthcare systems and cross-border healthcare. The overall here aim is to inform ongoing policies and reforms.
- Periodic and punctual publications
- A long-standing project
- Latest news
Lead: Jessica Martini
Employment and labour market policies
We examine trends in social protection systems, focusing on their ability to reduce poverty, insecurity and growing inequalities.
Leader: Dalila Ghailani
The socio-ecological transition
For the last five years, we have been conducting research on the EU socio-ecological transition, with a focus on the main initiatives and governance arrangements that the EU has put in place to ensure a ‘just transition’, following the publication of the European Green Deal. In this context, we have explored what can be labelled as an emerging EU framework for the just transition, including EU legislative and non legislative initiatives, funds, and mechanisms for involving the social partners and civil society in decision-making around the just transition. Some of these activities have directly contributed to the development of EU decision-making, including in the framework of the 2024 Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. More recently, we have been focusing on how the EU just transition framework could be further developed in the light of current top EU priorities such as competitiveness, defence, and preparedness, and on how to better link EU clean transition policies with EU social policies, by ensuring that the forthcoming Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights has a strong ‘socio-ecological dimension’.
Lead: Sebastiano Sabato
Digitalisation
Our research in this area explores topical developments in the EU but also in the international arena. Examples include the regulation of platform work and the implementation of the regulatory framework at the national level, undeclared work in the platform economy, the broader impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work, the regulation of telework and the right to disconnect, among others. Several publications in this domain have already been completed or are in the pipeline, including research papers, book chapters and policy briefs.
Lead: Ilda Durri
What sets the OSE apart?
At the OSE, we bring a distinctive focus and depth of expertise to the field of social policy, dedicating all our work exclusively to this area. Our research focuses exclusively on social policies, both at national and EU levels, making us a trusted and experienced voice on the matter, in Brussels and beyond.
We work across disciplines
Our team includes economists, sociologists, political scientists and public health experts, offering a comprehensive view of social change.
We connect research with action
From theory to implementation, our work is grounded in real-life concerns and contributes directly to public debate.
We focus on Europe, with a critical eye
Our perspective is European, but never technocratic. We look at how EU decisions affect people’s daily lives — and how they can be improved.
We speak to multiple audiences
Whether you’re a policymaker, a researcher, or a citizen, our work is designed to inform, clarify and inspire.
