This new guide provides advice on implementing an updated approach to STED that has been piloted in a number of countries over the last two years in collaboration with national partners. It aims to speed the process, to deepen collaboration, to build capacity among national and sector partners, to improve their skills strategies, and to help move more effectively from diagnosis of skills needs to implementation of the skills development responses required.

It differs from full STED in that it does not rely on primary survey research, and in that the process centres on a substantial Technical and Policy Foresight workshop involving industry, national and sector partners, and providers of education and training. Its focus on collaboration and consultation with partners throughout the process is more comprehensive than that set out for full STED in the original STED Practical Guide.