The Knowledge Gap between Higher Education Outcomes and Labor Market Requirements in Syria

Abstract

This working paper aimed to reveal the reality of higher education outcomes in Syria and the extent to which its programs and curricula respond to the

needs and requirements of the labor market. This was done by reviewing theoretical literature and previous studies that addressed this topic. The conclusion reached was the lack of real coordination between the labor market and higher education institutions, and thus a gap exists between the outcomes of the educational system and the needs of the labor market. This phenomenon is due to several reasons, including: the decline of the state's role in employing graduates, the limited ability of the private sector labor market to create new job opportunities, the lack of alignment between the quality of higher education outcomes and the skill requirements of the labor market, and the lack of interest and awareness among graduates in self-employment due to the absence of guidance and counseling, their weak skill levels, and the lack of necessary funding.The working paper recommends the continuous development of academic and training programs at higher education institutions to meet the requirements of the labor market and to involve all beneficiaries in planning and updating these programs.