A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Understanding and measuring skill gaps in Industry 4.0 : A review (2024)

Rikala, P., Braun, G., Järvinen, M., Stahre, J., & Hämäläinen, R. (2024). Understanding and measuring skill gaps in Industry 4.0 : A review. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 201, Article 123206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123206

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Rikala, Pauliina; Braun, Greta; Järvinen, Miitta; Stahre, Johan; Hämäläinen, Raija

Journal or series: Technological Forecasting and Social Change

ISSN: 0040-1625

eISSN: 1873-5509

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 12/01/2024

Volume: 201

Article number: 123206

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123206

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93056

Abstract

This study utilized a systematic-narrative hybrid strategy to overview the concept of skill gap and its measuring approaches. Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in January 2023 to retrieve English records from the ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the keywords “skill gap,” “skill mismatch,” “skill shortage,” “identifying or measuring,” and “Industry 4.0.” In total, 40 articles met our predefined inclusion criteria, and we analyzed them descriptively and qualitatively using thematic analysis and constant comparisons. We found that skill gaps certainly exist, and that concerns about growing skill gaps have been raised worldwide. Our literature review also revealed the need for a common understanding of skill gaps. Considering this, we provided a skill gap definition. Skill gaps are an extremely nuanced phenomenon, so paying careful attention to their definition and interrelating social, environmental, and technological factors when measuring them is essential. Since we found very few studies that employed different methods and perspectives to research the concept, more research is needed to map actual skill gaps, which can only be done by considering different perspectives and measuring approaches.

Keywords: know-how; skills; professional skills; education and training; educational needs; digitalisation; industrial revolution; industry; systematic reviews

Free keywords: skill gap; acquired skill; required skill; Industry 4.0; education

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3