Promoting STEM education in schools
Publiceringsdatum: 19 maj 2026 | Språk: EN
This report examines how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is promoted across European school systems and identifies key challenges, policy responses, good practice examples and opportunities for systemic improvement.
Drawing on extensive desk research, 265 stakeholder interviews, thematic focus groups, analysis of Erasmus+ and other EU actions, and comparative analysis across all EU Member States alongside selected non-EU countries, the study provides a comprehensive overview of national- and EU-level STEM education policies and practices.
The findings reveal persistent structural challenges, including fragmented governance, teacher shortages, rigid curricula, unequal access to infrastructure, limited use of non-formal learning, and weak monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
At the same time, the report identifies promising approaches emerging across Europe, such as integrated national STEM strategies, interdisciplinary and inquiry-based pedagogies, strengthened teacher professional development, targeted infrastructure investment and expanded partnerships with industry, research institutions and civil society. The report highlights the growing role of EU programmes and initiatives – particularly Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and the Recovery and Resilience Facility – in supporting national STEM reforms, while underlining the need for greater coherence, sustainability and evidence-informed policy design.
It concludes with targeted recommendations for policymakers, educators and stakeholders to advance inclusive, high-quality and future-oriented STEM education across Europe.
