How countries respond to skills shortages: Insights from the SkillsPULSE Project
SkillsPULSE has published Deliverable D5.3 Institutional responses to shortages and gaps, a synthesis report coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä.
The report examines how different countries identify and respond to skills shortages and skills gaps through institutional arrangements and skills intelligence systems. It is based on earlier work in the project, including a global mapping of skills intelligence systems (Task 5.1) and detailed case studies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore (Task 5.2).
The deliverable focuses on how skills shortages are defined, measured and communicated, and how this information is used by public authorities and other stakeholders.
Scope and approach
The report uses an evidence synthesis approach, combining information from academic literature, policy documents and publicly available system descriptions. More than 70 skills intelligence systems across different regions were reviewed, together with four international case studies selected for their experience in developing skills intelligence and institutional coordination.
Rather than proposing a single model, the report describes different ways in which countries organise skills intelligence, taking into account national labour market structures, governance arrangements and policy contexts.
Institutional models and system features
Based on the international cases, the report identifies several institutional approaches to skills intelligence, including more centralised systems, distributed or multi-level arrangements, focused models linked to specific policy areas such as migration, and more integrated systems connecting skills intelligence with training, career guidance and employment services.
Across these different approaches, the report describes common system features, such as the use of multiple data sources, stakeholder involvement, links to policy decision-making, public access to information and increasing use of digital tools and data analytics.
Indicators and presentation of skills shortages
A key part of the deliverable analyses the indicators used to identify skills shortages and gaps. These include labour market data such as vacancies and employment levels, employer surveys, wage information, and analysis of online job advertisements using digital and AI-based methods.
The report also examines how skills shortage information is presented to different users. It describes the use of categorical classifications, quantitative indicators, interactive dashboards and narrative reports, and explains how different formats serve different purposes and target groups.
Target groups and policy relevance
The report identifies several main user groups for skills shortage information, including policymakers, education and training providers, employers, individuals and career guidance professionals, and prospective migrants. It outlines how these groups use skills intelligence for planning, decision-making and guidance.
Based on international experience, the deliverable summarises policy-relevant observations related to institutional capacity, coordination, data use and stakeholder engagement, while also highlighting existing gaps in current systems, such as the measurement of skills gaps within workforces and the identification of declining or obsolete skills.
Conclusion
The report provides a descriptive overview of how skills shortages and gaps are addressed through institutional and analytical approaches in different national contexts. The findings contribute to SkillsPULSE’s broader work on improving understanding of skills shortages and supporting evidence-based policy development in Europe.
The deliverable is publicly available as part of the SkillsPULSE project outputs.
