Table of contents

Disclaimers 2

Abstract 3

Executive summary 6

1 Introduction 7

1.1. Why better data are essential 7

1.2. Purpose and scope 8

2 Current data gaps and their consequences 10

2.1. Fragmentation of data systems 10

2.2. Lack of longitudinal linkages 11

2.3. Coverage gaps across the skills system 12

2.4. Inconsistent definitions and quality issues 13

2.5. Timeliness and accessibility 13

2.6. Granularity: Equity and regional blind spots 14

3 Types of data sources for decision making, and what they can and cannot tell

policymakers 15

4 What is at stake: Potential gains from closing the gaps 18

4.1. Sharper financial decision making: Reallocating to high-return programmes, avoiding lowyield

spend, managing fiscal risk 18

4.2. Economic and social returns over the short and long term 19

5 Barriers to building integrated skills data systems 20

5.1. Institutional and governance barriers 20

5.2. Human-capital and analytical-capacity gaps 22

5.3. Legal and regulatory constraints 24

5.4. Technical and interoperability challenges 26

6 Conclusion 30

Annex A. Types of data sources for decision making 31

References 39

FIGURES

Figure 1. A framework for understanding barriers to integrated skills data systems 9

Figure 2. Analytical strengths of data sources for education and skills policymaking 17

TABLE

Table 1. Summary table: Data sources for decision making 16