The OECD has a long history of engagement with major United Nations (UN) processes on human development and well-being. Through its policies and important official texts, it has contributed to shaping the framework of international and national policies regarding people’s evolution and development. These policies are of great importance given that the working environment is becoming more and more global, dynamic, multidimensional and complex. Consequently, the effectiveness of human resources is a matter of major importance, leading most organizations and enterprises to pursue employee’s professional development and the comprehensive improvement of their skills. This study, through the qualitative analysis of the OECD’s text “OECD SKILLS OUTLOOK 2017: SKILLS AND GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS” comes to examine the types of skills proposed by the OECD and their characteristics, the benefits of developing and cultivating these skills, the ways they are planned and whether their planning is influenced by the spirit of corresponding international and European policies. The analysis of the text shows that there is a strong demand for mixed skills. In addition it seems that the design and development of the right and appropriate skills is a complex and multidimensional issue, as several agents are called upon to work together and contribute to both international and national levels. Regarding the benefits, one of great importance is that right skills help countries integrate into global markets and specialize in the most technologically advanced industries. Besides they help individuals face the potential of unemployment, job losses and lower job quality.
Keywords: Education Policies, OECD, Professional Development, Skills
