Skills Ecosystems and Improved Utilization of Skills

While much of the skills reform agenda has focused on the supply of skills, reforming qualification systems, introducing competency based curriculum, strengthening training institutions and training markets, less attention is often paid to the demand for skills and its role in supporting employment and economic growth. How skills are used in the workplace and how businesses engage with the local skills ecosystem are important factors that shape the real demand for skills. Linking skills policy and programmes with other efforts to support innovation and growth in regions and enterprises is necessary to make sure that skills contribute to and drive workplace innovation. Recent ILO research has included local case studies of enterprises partnerships with business service providers to increase skills use in the workplace, and technical support to industry associations to form partnerships with local training and government organizations to address local skill needs.