The Concept of Skill Gaps: A Thematic Analysis of Global Industry Perspectives

Paper in proceeding, 2026

The "skill gap" concept has emerged rapidly in the current industrial scenario, since demographic changes and industrial transformations are putting pressure on employers. A previous review of the literature deNines skill gaps as the difference between the skills employees possess and the skills employers require. However, there is a lack of understanding industry's practical perspective on skill gaps. This paper contributes to this understanding by presenting a thematic analysis of interview data from 23 senior professionals across diverse industries worldwide, including Sweden, Finland, Germany, Canada, India, South Africa, South Korea, Italy, France, and Malaysia. The analysis reveals that while all respondents broadly describe skill gaps as a mismatch between the skills required and those available, their interpretations focus on different issues. First, skill gaps are framed as something occurring at multiple levels: the individual, the organisational, and the societal. Second, participants highlight various reasons for skill gaps. Third, deNinitions of 'skills' vary, ranging from technical skills to broader capabilities such as collaboration, leadership, and adaptability. By clarifying the diverse interpretations of skill gaps, the study provides a foundation for more targeted work to measure and bridge them through interventions in education, training, and workforce development. By unpacking how industry leaders deNine skill gaps, this study informs the design of human-centred upskilling strategies that would enable manufacturing industry to adapt sustainability transitions and digitalisation.