In collaboration with Eurochambres and the International Chamber of Commerce, this paper by the OECD examines the crucial role of chambers of commerce in addressing the growing challenges businesses face in recruiting skilled workers. In 2024, 75% of employers reported difficulties finding skilled talent, more than double the rate in 2014. These challenges are driven by the digital and green transitions and an ageing population. Chambers of commerce are well-positioned to identify local skills gaps, engage employers, and serve as intermediaries between the public sector, education providers, and businesses.
The paper highlights that countries have diverse legal and institutional frameworks for chambers of commerce. Some chambers operate under private law models, others under public law models, and some under hybrid models. Despite these differences, chambers actively support skills policies by developing strategies, acting as intermediaries, and providing direct training. They are particularly engaged in programmes linked to the world of work, such as HR training, support for entrepreneurs, and dual learning programmes like apprenticeships.
Chambers frequently collaborate with regional and local governments on skills issues. Looking ahead, they are expected to play a crucial role in making skills systems more agile, inclusive, and future-focused, particularly by linking local skills with economic development, helping SMEs adapt to green and digital transitions, expanding workplace learning, and promoting skills-based hiring for under-represented groups.
The paper is structured as follows:
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The first chapter explains the importance of skills for chambers of commerce and vice-versa
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The second chapter illustrates the involvement of chambers of commerce in the design and delivery of skills policies
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The third chapter showcases the types of skills-related programmes in which chambers of commerce play a role
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The fourth chapter defines the actions that the chambers of commerce need to take to strengthen skills systems
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
