Abstract
Matching skills supply and demand is critical for economic growth, competitiveness and inclusiveness. Yet measuring skills is difficult. This article develops an approach for measuring the gap between demand and supply of skills at local level in the UK West Midlands region. It uses qualifications as a proxy for skills. By comparing the projected supply of qualifications with the forecast demand for qualifications from occupational forecasts, the analysis reveals significant skill mismatches with potential to constrain regional growth potential. Policy implications for connecting skills, transport and housing policy as part of local industrial strategies are explored.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Regional Studies |
Early online date | 21 Apr 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 21 Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- skills
- qualifications
- regional economic development
- UK
- labour market