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Overeducated yet underskilled: graduate labour market mismatch in Morocco and Serbia

Author

Listed:
  • Ivana Prica

    (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics and Business, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Imane El Ouizgani

    (Ibn Zohr University, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Agadir, Morocco)

  • Will Bartlett

    (London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), European Institute, Hellenic Observatory, London, UK)

Abstract

This paper analyses the phenomenon of qualification and skill mismatch among university graduates in two countries in Morocco and Serbia. These countries are located within the super-periphery of the EU and face similar challenges in fostering competitive economies capable of trading with and receiving investment from their northern neighbours. Effective skill development and successful labour market matching of university graduates are crucial instruments to meet these challenges. We explore the different dimensions of this requirement based on an analysis of qualification and skill mismatch on the graduate labour market. Our survey reveals simultaneous overqualification and underskilling of university graduates, a high incidence of graduate mismatch combined with low-wage penalties in the public sector, high levels of mismatch and associated relatively high-wage penalties among women graduates, and an amelioration of skill mismatch over time due to on-the-job learning and job switching.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivana Prica & Imane El Ouizgani & Will Bartlett, 2025. "Overeducated yet underskilled: graduate labour market mismatch in Morocco and Serbia," Public Sector Economics, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 49(3), pages 469-492.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipf:psejou:v:49:y:2025:i:3:p:469-492
    DOI: 10.3326/pse.49.3.6
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies

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