Abstract
The coexistence of multiple skills ecosystems within the same territory can lead to inefficiencies, particularly when driven by distinct public authorities operating at different territorial levels. This paper explores how to address these challenges by constructing a multilevel skills ecosystem, defined as a network of interconnected skills ecosystems coexisting within the same territory. The paper explores three case studies in the Basque Country that represent distinct territorial skills strategies, each initiated by different levels of government: the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Biscay, and the City Council of Bilbao. The analysis adopts the multilevel governance framework as it aligns with the systemic, place-based, and dynamic leadership emphasised in the skills ecosystem literature, providing a foundation for understanding governance relationships. Five main lessons learnt are discussed. The first concerns the importance of acknowledging the existence and roles of each ecosystem. The second refers to the recommendation of co-designing the governance. The third underlines leadership characteristics in multilevel skills ecosystems, often involving a transformation of internal relational dynamics within leading government bodies. The fourth lesson points to the art of managing time effectively, while the fifth focuses on the role of researchers within this construction process.
