The only realistic pathway is a dual system of scientific education and practical training (apprenticeship), from the first minute. E-learning-methodology can facilitate this open knowledge transfer, from study to action (and vice versa). Would name that: a learning that pays back.

Thanks a lot, Stephen. How about the skills and attributes we need to focus on?

At the university college level, a sound foundation in scientific methodology is a must. General studies should focus on communicating with complexity, special studies should focus on practical applicability (cases), not on detailistic quantity. Mutual co-operation should be encouraged on all levels of learning, oral, written, logical and visual skills should be regarded as of equal quality. Learning and earning: heart, head and hands deeply involved.

I love the last phrase: heart, head and hands. Thanks again Stephen !

Hello! I would add only two 'skeak peaks':

1. Training in STEM skills seems a desirable direction.

2. PIAAC survey provides an interesting insight into skill mismatch in OECD countries.

Hi Piotr,

Are you assuming that this will also work for humanities and the social sciences? I'd be happy if you could explain your answer further. Regards,

Yes, to a certain extent. I am not, of course, a proponent of a so-called ABEconomics, though supplying humanities and social science graduates in STEM skills might be a good idea. E.G. they won't be writing IT applications by themselves, but but basic grasp of programming and science technologies might give them better understanding in cooperation with IT professionals. We have in Lublin good examples of succesful strart-ups in Creative Industries based on such approach.

I like your idea of considering the possibilities of transferring lessons of experience between STEM and humanities+social sciences.

A student who enters a university graduates after 4 years. If we look into the job market today, the demands are changing very rapidly. So the demands when a student joins and by the time he/she graduates can be different specially in STEM areas. Thus, Skilling them by giving them trainings in the fields that will be required after 4 years need to be planned. The academia needs more strategic and focussed training programs so that the demands of job market are met with.

Thanks Punita. So should focus on skills and attributes that go beyond the job market or should we focus on content knowledge that's more into the mastery of a specific field of study?,we

Content knowledge with an insight into how this knowledge can be used as a skill.

I think it is very easy to provide a superficial answer. A few decades ago, there were only a few Universities in Africa, mainly state-owned and run. More recently, there has been a rapid expansion of higher education. Many African governments have emphasized the importance of STEM and indeed the number of scientists and engineers emerging from the system is increasing. However, few countries have been able to retain these graduates in the country, or even find them employment.