Grant-Issuing Entity: Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia

Project ID: FR-23-20196

Project Duration: 19.12.2023 – 19.12.2026

The project focuses on scientific research regarding skill mismatches in Georgia’s labor market. The objectives of the project are:

 1. Identifying the professional skills demanded by employers in Georgia,

 2. Determining the role of higher education in skill management, and

 3. Identifying the issue of overeducation and finding ways to mitigate it in Georgia.

This research project represents the first study on overeducation and more specific mismatches in Georgia’s labor market, where many highly educated individuals are employed in low-skilled jobs that do not require university-level skills. Within the scope of the project, skill mismatches will be assessed based on employers’ demands, the role of universities in addressing skill-related challenges will be determined, and pathways to reduce excessive education will be identified. The results of the research will be periodically shared with relevant government departments, including those responsible for education and science, as well as economic and sustainable development, and a monograph will be provided at the conclusion of the research.

The project team includes:

• Dimitri Japaridze, Project Lead, Professor at Ilia State University
• Shorena Maglakelidze, Project Coordinator, Doctor of Economics, Professor at Ilia State University
• Ekaterine Shaverdashvili, Doctor of Philosophy (Kassel University, Germany), Professor at Ilia State University
• Davit Tutberidze, Young Researcher, Associate Professor at Ilia State University