Employment has always been a central issue in development. In recent years we saw a global financial crisis that affected many countries, causing a massive economic recession and a major loss of jobs. Despite some initial employment gains in the post-crisis years, we have seen a rise in unemployment over the past year. Many developing countries have a large population of youth unable to find jobs after earning a degree.
The poor quality of educational services is creating a workforce that lacks the basic knowledge and skills needed for today’s job. Education systems in the developing world are burdened with collapsing infrastructure, outdated content and poorly trained teachers.
To change this situation and maximise the benefits of education, while increasing the employability of graduates, collaboration is needed between governments, the private sector and educational institutions. Such collaboration could support the readiness of workers by associating the supply and demand of skilled graduates, while ensuring the system functions in a favourable policy environment.
The Global Business Schools Network recently produced a paper (available here) to spur discussion about how the global community can address the challenges of increasing employment and entrepreneurship around the world.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the following questions. Please post your comments below, and join us for a live discussion at 3.30 UK time (10.30 ET) on Thursday 19 September.
1. How can business education make a difference in increasing entrepreneurship and employment?
2. What are the on-the-ground needs of entrepreneurs in emerging markets, and what the specific challenges in providing relevant training for women entrepreneurs?
3. How can technology, such as se of mobile phones and online education technology, be used to bring more training and networking opportunities to more people around the globe?