According to Helen Knauf (1), the growing importance of key qualifications can be summarised in five points:

1. Successful studying
   "Those who possess methodological competencies, social and personal competencies as well as overarching subject competencies to a large extent are also better able to cope with the demands of a degree programme". This applies, for example, to methods of acquiring knowledge, the ability to work in teams or presentation techniques.
2. More chances on the job market
   The analysis of job advertisements and selection procedures of companies shows the growing importance of non-subject-related criteria such as problem-solving ability and performance motivation in the selection of personnel.
3. Better on the job
   Within companies and organisations, the areas of "research and development", "organisation and management" and "consulting, supervising, teaching, publishing" will play an increasingly important role in the future in conjunction with intercultural communication, cooperation in teams, information through new media and problem-oriented independent work. The progressive structural change in the employment system is thus considered to be the "main cause for the growing importance of key qualifications".
4. Ready for new challenges
   Due to the everfaster pace of innovation-related changes in the economy and society, "it is always necessary for professionals to think their way into new circumstances and to enter into new work contexts". Key qualifications make people more independent of the short-term changing demands of the labour market.
5. Orientation in an individualised world
   The freedom gained through the multitude of possible life concepts and the elimination of binding norms "places high demands on the individual's ability to orientate and make decisions", to which key qualifications can contribute significantly. 

How are key qualifications taught at the University of Ulm? [Continue reading]