Conclusions

In the context of globalization, where technologies, market demands and trading relations change rapidly, the responsiveness of skills supply to current and prospective changes in demand is of crucial importance. It enables exporting firms and businesses in their domestic supply chains to participate effectively in international trade in goods and services. It also has an important role to play in facilitating adjustment to trade shocks by ensuring the smooth transition of workers from low-skill jobs in importcompeting sectors to higher-skill and higher-productivity jobs in exporting firms and industries.