The report argues that matching skills with jobs is of critical importance for a well-functioning labour market. The mismatch between skills and jobs is a complex phenomenon that affects individuals, enterprises, economies and societies. It often takes the form of a skills gap or shortage, but can also refer to cases where skills exceed job requirements. The paper aims to structure the data available today on the mismatch of skills and jobs by analysing a series of important questions. It discusses the features of the skill mismatch phenomenon and provides an overview of factors contributing to it; analyses its economic and social costs; and argues that the issue should be taken seriously by national and European policy-makers. The study also discusses how skill mismatch can be better measured in surveys; this will make it possible to provide more detailed and sound analyses in the coming years.
Cedefop is the European Union’s reference centre for vocational education and training.