Beating the odds in university, labor market and life: the role of higher education in times of socioeconomic change

This chapter addresses the role of Higher Education in times of change, taking into account three of the key-issues for the EU 2020 growth strategy: employment, education, and social inclusion. The concept of empowerment is discussed as a way to accomplish such targets, here analyzed according to three main components: educating for the labor market - focused on individual development and social empowerment, as a way to reach the so-called 21 st century skills, and to promote employability; educating for individual agency - as a means for further social inclusion and general enrichment of citizenship; educating for career management - which is especially relevant in a time when lifelong learning is presented as an essential factor to remain competitive in the world work. Moreover, we present innovative changes to be implemented in Higher Education, as an interesting way to bridge the gap between the worlds of Education and work. A review of good practices is presented, as a way to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes, while simultaneously empowering students to be lifelong, critically, reflexive learners, who are socially responsible and committed.