The way we live and work is changing at an accelerating pace. The digital transformation, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), a move to more climate-conscious and environmentally sustainable practices, and demographic pressures are reshaping societies and economies. In this evolving landscape, people's skills are increasingly critical to ensure access to quality jobs, resilience and success. Today’s labour market demands not only higher levels of skills but also a shift in the types of skills people need to thrive. Broad digital skills are now essential not only for participating in today’s complex, interconnected societies but also for succeeding in modern workplaces. The transition to more sustainable growth has heightened demand for skills relevant in “green” jobs and to large extent heralds a greening of all jobs. Countries must build resilient and adaptable skills systems that allow their populations to develop the skills needed to excel both today and in the future. The Draghi report on the future of European competitiveness has very clearly shown that the European Union can only become more competitive by closing the skills gaps.

In the last decade, many countries have responded to these skills challenges by developing National Skills Strategies. These strategies are based on close collaboration and coordination across government and key stakeholders, as well as a long-term and holistic perspective on skills policies. They are essential in guiding and steering skills policy interventions, informing related national strategies, and supporting the implementation of targeted skills policies. As more countries adopt these strategies, they have proven vital in fostering adaptable and resilient skills systems that enable countries to capitalise on emerging opportunities and secure long-term prosperity.

The 2020 European Skills Agenda called for a skills revolution in Europe to harness the green and digital transitions, inviting Member States in to develop holistic, whole-of-government National Skills Strategies. To support them, the European Commission has provided funding through a range of instruments, including the European Social Fund, Erasmus+, and the Technical Support Instrument. National skills strategies will continue to play a crucial role in helping countries develop effective skills policies if they are to keep pace with the rapid pace of change.

The OECD is also playing a leading role in supporting the development of skills strategies internationally. Since 2014, the OECD has worked with over 25 economies, including 14 EU countries, to promote a strategic, co-ordinated and inclusive approach to strengthening the development of skills throughout life, fostering the effective utilisation of these skills, and improving governance of skills systems. These initiatives involve close co‑operation with countries to assess their skills systems using data, literature, and stakeholder insights. The OECD also provides tailored recommendations, based on international best practices, to help strengthen and optimise these systems.

This project is very timely as it provides the first comprehensive review of national skills strategies and draw lessons from countries’ experiences in developing and implementing these strategies. In doing so, the project not only enriches the global knowledge base but also provides a foundation for creating more effective and resilient skills strategies in the future.

Mario Nava,

Director-General, Directorate General “Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion”, European Commission

Stefano Scarpetta,

Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD