The
supply of science graduates in Europe is failing to match the skills needs of
employers, research shows.
A
report by the Institute for Employment Studies reveals selective shortages in
particular skills such as IT and the under-use of life science and engineering
skills.
Other
findings show that in some countries across the EU, unemployment among newly
qualified scientists and technologists is relatively high. In particular, the survey
revealed that there is under-employment for some engineers and life science
graduates in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK.
The
EU study of 210 R&D centres over two years found that most employers still
recruit from within their own countries.
The
survey also found employers are increasingly looking for recruits to have both
personal and technical ability.
Richard
Pearson, co-author of the report, said, “There is less scope for boffins
sitting in a corner. Scientists have to be financially aware these days.”
However,
the research found data about the supply and dem-and of science and technology
skills is inadequate. Pearson called for the establishment of a European
science and technology observatory to monitor and report on key trends in the
availability of these skills.
He
said, “A good supply of science and technology skills is an essential element
of our prosperity. The effective operation of these critical labour markets,
with skill shortages co-existing with over-supply, requires better information.
“The
establishment of a European science and technology observatory would be a
significant first step, to monitor and report regularly on key trends.”
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Pearson
called for the observatory be set up urgently.
www.employment-studies.co.uk
By
Karen Higginbottom
