Thursday 5 June 2025 - 11:15
Investing in Skills Wisely: Data-Driven Decisions for Smarter Public Spending
Speakers:
Ricardo Espinoza (OECD)
Representative of DG EAC
Project description:
Policymakers must make tough choices to ensure that public spending is efficiently allocated, targeting interventions that generate the highest impact. Beyond financial considerations, these decisions shape the ability to develop a more resilient, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce for the future. The Investing in Skills Wisely: Data-Driven Decisions for Smarter Public Spending project aims to support governments in making these critical choices by strengthening the quality, integration, and use of data in education and skills policy.
Many countries struggle with fragmented data systems, institutional barriers, and technological limitations that hinder evidence-based decision-making. This project will analyse key gaps in administrative records, labour market data, and other essential sources to identify the structural and technical constraints that impede effective financial planning. By drawing on real-world case studies, it will highlight successful strategies for leveraging robust data systems to prioritise investments, optimise resources under tight fiscal constraints, and balance immediate needs with long-term workforce resilience. The findings will inform actionable recommendations to improve data consistency, integration, and accessibility, enabling smarter public spending and more effective skills policies.