LABOR FORCE ADAPTABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION: 2030 SCENARIOS FOR ESKİŞEHİR

Job mismatch is a multidimensional phenomenon that refers to the lack of alignment between the qualifications and skills individuals possess and the competencies required by jobs. This mismatch is primarily addressed in the literature under two main headings: educational mismatch and skill mismatch. Qualification mismatch manifests as a discrepancy between an individual’s educational level and the level required by the job (vertical mismatch) or as a mismatch between the field of study and the actual work performed (horizontal mismatch); skill mismatch, on the other hand, refers to a situation where an individual’s competencies do not align with the skills required by the job. In this context, job mismatch emerges as a critical factor that directly impacts both individual career development and macro-level economic efficiency. Today, labor markets are undergoing a fundamental transformation under the influence of multifaceted dynamics such as the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence applications, the green transition process, the rise of new work models, the restructuring of global supply chains, and demographic shifts. The most critical issue in this transformation process is accurately forecasting which qualifications and skills future jobs will demand. In economies that fail to analyze the current state of labor markets and develop policies in a timely manner to adapt to these transformation dynamics, increased production losses and inefficiencies are inevitable. For this reason, efforts to identify regional-level labor mismatches are of great importance. On the other hand, this transformation process entails not only risks but also new opportunities. However, the ability to capitalize on these opportunities depends on the workforce’s capacity to adapt to evolving skill demands. In this regard, the lifelong learning approach is gaining increasing prominence; individuals must acquire new skills and enhance their existing ones throughout their careers. This study examines the mismatch between labor and education from a macro perspective and using a data-driven approach, covering various sectors and occupational groups specifically in Eskişehir. It highlights not only the difficulty in creating employment opportunities in the province but also the issue of individuals not being employed in positions commensurate with their qualifications.

Keywords: Digitalization, Workforce Alignment, Skills Alignment.