Skill Ecosystems

Abstract

Recent interest in skill ecosystems and initiatives associated with their reform represent the latest manifestation of a long-standing tradition of skills analysis which recognizes the importance of the context in which skills are developed and used. Whilst the original academic literature on the topic was primarily concerned with understanding and promoting high skill ecosystems, this chapter examines national approaches to policy and practice concerned with improving ecosystems associated with workers with low and middle-levels skills. Most of this chapter refers to developments in Australia, the UK and US. All the elements for successful skill ecosystem reform are in existence across these case study countries but they are not co-located. Enduring transformations to skill contexts required for effective change is therefore hard to achieve.