Skills shortages refer to the situation in which companies have difficulty filling vacancies with qualified workers who have the specific skills, knowledge and experience required for the positions in question. This shortage of skilled workers can apply to different industries, occupations and regions and is often caused by a mismatch between the supply and demand for qualified workers. Reasons for skills shortages can include: a growing demand for highly qualified workers due to technological progress and demographic changes, insufficient training and qualification of workers, an exodus of skilled workers abroad, unattractive working conditions or a lack of adaptation of training systems to the needs of the labor market. The shortage of skilled workers can have a negative impact on productivity, innovation, competitiveness and economic development and therefore requires appropriate measures and strategies from companies, educational institutions and governments to counteract this, such as investment in training and further education, the promotion of skilled workers from abroad, flexible working models or incentives for professional development.
