Skills Forecasts in a Rapidly Changing World: Through a Glass Darkly

Abstract

Through a glass darkly is a phrase that has inspired the titles of many works. It implies an obscure or imperfect vision of reality. This is very apposite in the context of individuals making career choices and educational investment decisions. Frequently criticized as unnecessary, misleading, and even impossible, skills forecasts are an attempt to add some light. Now a key element in economic and labor market policy in many parts of the developed world, they also provide a benchmark for debating whether the education and training system produces skills appropriate for the labor market.