The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, held a roundtable discussion on the topic “Higher Education Aligned with the Labor Market,” as part of the preparation process for the new Education Strategy 2026–2032.

In the presence of prominent businesspeople, companies with a significant share in the Macedonian economy, and representatives of other business associations, the discussion focused on the chapter of the strategy dedicated to higher education. The aim was to inform the business sector that the process of drafting the strategy in the areas of higher education, research, and innovation has begun. Through the discussion at the roundtable, the idea was to gather opinions from businesses and other chambers regarding the challenges they face in cooperating with the higher education system, and to explore the possibility of stronger involvement of companies in research and innovation processes, as well as to improve the teaching process in higher education and better align it with the dynamic needs of the labor market.

Acting as a World Bank expert for the preparation of the strategy in the area of higher education, Dr. Nikica Mojsoska-Blazhevski, who is also Vice President of the Chamber’s Management Board, presented the current analyses and findings, which served as the basis for incorporating ideas, proposals, and recommendations from the participants (companies and the business community). Additionally, Natasha Janevska, M.A., education advisor in the office of the Chamber’s president, shared insights based on existing findings and company input on where interventions in higher education are needed in order to improve the quality of higher education, deliver highly skilled graduates, and better match labor market needs.

The roundtable was marked by open and constructive dialogue aimed at identifying measures that will ensure an education system that produces a high-quality, competitive, and immediately employable workforce.

The business community conveyed clear messages about the importance of strengthening ties between educational institutions and the business sector as a prerequisite for successful planning and implementation of education policy. Emphasis was placed on:

·        Creating a system for constructive dialogue between the business community and academia to express needs for developing skilled higher education graduates;

·        Systemic regulation of practical training at real workplaces within companies;

·        Standardization of qualifications;

·        Strengthening the Agency for Quality in Higher Education;

·        Enhancing the process of evaluating higher education institutions, including tracking graduates and their employability;

·        Developing soft skills (critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship);

·        Creating topics for seminar papers, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral theses in cooperation with the business sector;

·        Digitizing processes at faculties and maintaining registries of study programs;

·        Strengthening the capacities of Career Centers as hubs for connecting students with the business community for implementing practical training;

·        Increasing funds for investment and development; and more.

The business community’s proposals will be incorporated into the strategy, and the joint conclusion of the event’s participants was that it is essential to monitor and seriously evaluate the implementation of the activities outlined in the Strategy’s Action Plan.