Reskilling and upskilling in Portugal amidst digital and green transformation

Abstract

Continuous learning has become a critical priority in the global economic environment nowadays, driven by rapid digital transformation, environmental challenges and shifts in production and organisational models. The study focuses on reskilling and upskilling to prepare the Portuguese workforce for the evolving demands of the labour market. Its objective is to investigate the gap between current human capital skills and future labour market requirements. By identifying structural mismatches between educational provisions and business sector demands, the research employs a qualitative, documentary methodology, analysing secondary data from international reports that consider skills development, labour market forecasts, and global skilling trends. The findings indicate discrepancies between national qualification frameworks and the skills required by firms in emerging economic markets. There is an urgent need to accelerate qualification processes and implement future-oriented strategies to address the skills gap, as adapting to new business models and technological innovation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. The study aims to promote coordinated efforts among policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders to establish agile and adaptable qualification systems that equip the workforce for a complex global economy. It provides valuable insights for decision-makers seeking to enhance the resilience, adaptability, and competitiveness of the national workforce, based on European forecasts of future skills.