Mind the Gap: Bridging the gap between Higher Education and the Labor Market

EY Greece, ELTRUN-AUEB, and Endeavor Greece Study: Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and the Labor Market is Imperative Only 51% of university departments are oriented towards the productive developmental leap of the country.

In the academic year 2023-2024, 30.7% of departments emphasized STEM studies, but there is a noted shortage of graduates in computer science.

Searches for employees by businesses increased fivefold between 2020 and 2023.

The sectors most in need of workers are:

• Information Technology (32.5%)

• Hospitality and Food Services (12.2%)

• Professional Services (12%)

Significant interventions are required to bridge the gap between higher education and the labor market and to equip the country with the specialized human resources necessary for economic transformation and restart. This conclusion comes from a study by EY Greece, the Electronic Business Lab (ELTRUN) of the Athens University of Economics and Business, and Endeavor Greece, presented at a press conference on Wednesday, May 29.

The study, titled "Mind the Gap: Bridging the Gap between Higher Education and the Labor Market," records the qualitative characteristics (department subjects, study directions, etc.) of Greek university departments today, the retraining opportunities offered by postgraduate programs and training courses, and highlights the lack of focus on the sectors and skills needed by the economy today, showcasing market needs. It confirms this gap through the analysis of job advertisements over the past six years and market executives' observations, concluding with recommended interventions for better connecting higher education and the labor market.

Download the report below.