5. A comprehensive frame of reference for assessing and developing key competencies

Defining and selecting key competencies is not simply a theoretical and methodological question; it is also influenced by what are considered important and desired outcomes at the individual and societal level. Universally accepted objectives such as the respect for human rights, democratic values, and sustainable development can provide a common vision of society as a normative anchoring point for the discourse on key competencies.

The research conducted under the scope of DeSeCo resulted in a widely accepted definition of the concept of key competence.

Key competencies are defined as individually based competencies that:

• are instrumental for meeting important, complex demands in multiple areas of life;
• contribute to highly valued outcomes at the individual and societal levels in terms of a successful life and a well-functioning society; and
• are important to all individuals for coping successfully with complex challenges in multiple areas.

In light of these definitional criteria and against the backdrop of broad societal goals and the demands of an increasingly interdependent and rapidly changing world, DeSeCo conceptualized a frame of reference for key competencies that builds on various concepts and theoretical models.

Figure 1
DeSeCo's overarching frame of reference