Leiden, Netherlands, 25 March 2025 – SkiLMeeT’s researchers have completed an extensive review of the scientific literature on skills gaps and on skill and labour shortages and mismatches, which will guide the project’s research.
Their report, “Skills gaps, skill and labour shortages, and mismatch – Existing evidence”, focuses on: a) concepts and measurements relevant to the SkiLMeeT research agenda; b) drivers of skills gaps, particularly the technological and green transitions; c) pathways to reduce gaps, mismatches and shortages.
The overview begins with a discussion of definitions of skills gaps, shortages, and mismatches, along with measurement challenges. The researchers point out that there is no universal standard for defining skills mismatches, as different organisations and countries use different criteria. This inconsistency complicates efforts to track and address the issue.
The next section examines the literature on the primary drivers of skills mismatches, focusing on technological advances and the green transition, as well as other megatrends, including demographic shifts, global supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and migration.
The review then shifts to solutions, focusing on education (including dual education systems and reskilling) and worker mobility as important aspects of policy actions.
For Project SkiLMeeT, this literature review provides a crucial starting point. It will inform the development of the project’s conceptual framework, which will also integrate insights from related initiatives addressing skills gaps and shortages, including SkiLMeeT’s sister projects SkillsPulse, SKILLAB, and TRAILS.
To read the review, please follow this link
