Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/334716 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
Mapineq deliverables No. D4.4
Publisher: 
INVEST Research Flagship Centre, University of Turku, Turku
Abstract: 
Successful school-to-work transitions (STWTs) are critical for long-term career success and affect other domains of adulthood, such as starting a family and living independently. This report presents findings on the complex dynamics of STWTs across European regions, highlighting key patterns and sources of inequalities that shape the labor market integration of young adults. The report documents significant regional variations in youth unemployment rates, both within and between countries. It provides several insights into the sources and consequences of these variations: − Differences in young adults' family composition and health status explain a substantial part of the variation in labor market integration between countries. − Differences in educational attainment and place of residence (rural/urban) among young adults account for a substantial part of the variation in labor market integration between regions within countries. − Regional differences in unemployment rates at labor market entry are associated higher risks of nonemployment and low-skilled employment of young adults with only secondary education 5 to 10 years later. − Poor labor market conditions at entry have spillover effects on transitions into adulthood. Specifically, higher regional unemployment rates at entry increase the likelihood of motherhood, particularly of having at least two children, among women with only lower secondary education. The opposite is true for tertiary-educated women: Higher regional unemployment rates decrease their likelihood of motherhood, as well as they delay moving out of their parents' home and living with a partner. Moreover, a comparative analysis of Estonia and Germany suggests that housing costs are an important factor for young adults who do not live in university cities when deciding whether to attend university in either country (small or large), while distance seems to matter only in the larger country, despite the decentralized distribution of universities across Germany. In summary, the findings presented in the report suggest that inclusive and successful transitions can be promoted through coordinated policy interventions implemented across multiple policy areas, including not only education and labor market policies, but also health, family, social, and housing policies. These interventions would address structural economic factors, individual vulnerabilities, and spatial inequalities. In doing so, they would expand equitable opportunities for youth and strengthen social cohesion and long-term economic resilience in Europe.
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Working Paper

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