On 15 and 16 July 2026, Cabo Verde hosted the first Women in Tech® Lusophone Summit, a two day gathering that brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision makers from across the Portuguese speaking world. Organised by Women in Tech® Cabo Verde with free and open access, the summit welcomed participants at the campus of the University of Cabo Verde and at the Praia Technology Park, placing the archipelago at the centre of a community of more than 260 million people connected by a common language.

A Programme Built Around Talent

The summit opened on 15 July with a GovTech workshop for university students, launched with a keynote by Manuel Schiappa Pietra of FreeBalance on the digital government experience of Timor Leste. Students then worked in teams to develop their own projects, which were presented to a jury that awarded a prize to the winning group. The format extended a tradition the Cabo Verde chapter has built over three years of robotics and coding workshops in Mindelo and Praia, turning the summit itself into a hands on learning opportunity for the next generation.

The second day, held at the Praia Technology Park, opened with a keynote by Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech® Global, who retraced the journey of the organisation since 2018: from a first summer coding camp of 50 women from 35 countries to a global movement active in more than 70 countries, with close to one million women reached through its four pillars of education, digital inclusion, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Voices From Across the Lusophone Space

The opening panel on public policy and innovation brought together Her Excellency Janira Hopffer Almada, President of the National Assembly of Cabo Verde; Her Excellency Débora Carvalho, First Lady of Cabo Verde and godmother of the national chapter; His Excellency António José Medina dos Santos Baptista, Minister of Economy, Commerce, Industry and Digital Transition; Patricia Portela, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cabo Verde; and Ayumi Moore Aoki.

The programme continued with panels on the relationship between universities and the labour market, cybersecurity and disinformation, digital financial inclusion, and the Lusophone creative economy. Speakers included Nádia Teixeira of Cabo Verde Airlines, Luísa Ribeiro Lopes of .PT, Nilza Rodrigues of Forbes África Lusófona, and Varsénia da Luz, captain of Cabo Verde’s national women’s football team, whose presence resonated in a year when the Blue Sharks carried the country’s talent onto the world stage.

A dedicated panel on women in technology across the Lusophone space united the leadership of four national chapters: Mayra Silva of Women in Tech® Cabo Verde, Cláudia Mendes of Women in Tech® Portugal, Jaquelina Ngulo of Women in Tech® Angola, and Delfina Franco of Women in Tech® Mozambique, in a conversation on the challenges and opportunities shared across the community.

Three Announcements for the Road Ahead

From the stage in Praia, Ayumi Moore Aoki made three announcements that will shape the organisation’s Lusophone agenda. Women in Tech® will open two new chapters, in São Tomé and Príncipe and in Guinea Bissau, extending the movement’s presence across Lusophone Africa. The Women in Tech® Global Summit 2027 will take place in Rio de Janeiro from 20 to 22 April. And the Lusophone Summit will continue as an annual gathering, with its second edition to be hosted in Paraíba, Brazil, in 2027, in the presence of Her Excellency Elis Ribeiro, Secretary of State of the Government of Paraíba, who attended the summit in Praia.

Three Years in the Making

The summit crowned three years of work by Women in Tech® Cabo Verde, established in 2023 under the direction of Mayra Silva and with the First Lady of Cabo Verde as its godmother. What began as a national chapter running masterclasses and workshops has grown into the host of a first of its kind international summit, demonstrating what local leadership can build within a global movement.

Women in Tech® Global thanks the Government of Cabo Verde, the University of Cabo Verde, the Praia Technology Park, and all partners and volunteers who made the summit possible. The dream that started in 2018 with five million women remains the destination. Praia brought the Lusophone world one step closer to it, together.

Women in Tech® Global is pleased to announce that our Founder and CEO, Ayumi Moore Aoki, will join industry leaders from Microsoft and NTT in a strategic discussion on gender parity in STEM at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.

The session, titled “Driving Gender Parity in STEM for a Thriving Global Economy,” will examine how achieving gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields is fundamental to driving sustainable economic growth and fostering global innovation.

Strategic Collaboration for Global Impact

This high-level dialogue brings together three powerhouses in the technology sector: Women in Tech® Global, with its presence in over 50 countries and community of 250,000 members; Microsoft, a global leader in software and cloud computing; and NTT, Japan’s telecommunications giant. This collaboration underscores the critical importance of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equity in technology.

Economic Imperatives of Gender Parity

The session comes at a pivotal moment when the technology sector’s influence on global economic growth continues to expand. Research consistently demonstrates that increasing women’s participation in STEM fields could significantly boost global GDP. This aligns with Women in Tech® Global’s mission to empower 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030, creating a substantial impact on both economic development and technological innovation.

Building on Global Partnerships

This speaking engagement builds upon Women in Tech® Global’s established partnerships with UN Women and our active participation in the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance. It represents another significant step in our organization’s commitment to driving systemic change through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Event Information

The session will take place on January 22, 2025, from 13:00 to 13:45 CET at Ice Village, Dome A, in Davos. It will address key topics including:
– Economic benefits of gender parity in STEM
– Strategic frameworks for achieving equity in technology sectors
– Role of public-private partnerships in advancing women in STEM
– Impact of gender-diverse technology teams on innovation

Looking Forward

This platform at the World Economic Forum provides an opportunity to advance the dialogue on gender equity in STEM at the highest levels of global leadership. Women in Tech® Global remains committed to ensuring that the outcomes of such high-level discussions translate into tangible benefits for women and girls in technology worldwide.

The vibrant city of Accra came alive on November 22nd, 2024, as Women in Tech® Global proudly inaugurated its Ghana chapter, marking another significant milestone in our mission to empower women and girls in STEAM across Africa. The launch event, centered around the theme “Mentoring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders,” brought together some of Ghana’s most influential voices in technology, education, and corporate leadership.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Our Ghana chapter joins our expanding African network as the ninth country chapter, further strengthening our presence on the continent. Led by the dynamic Chapter Ambassador Luvina Sandra Atsu, the Ghana team brings together an impressive array of professionals dedicated to fostering technological innovation and gender equality in STEAM fields.

Leadership That Inspires

The chapter’s advisory board features prominent figures in Ghana’s corporate and technology landscape, including:

• Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti, Executive Director of JOSPONG Group of Companies, whose two decades of leadership experience in human resources and corporate governance will be invaluable in shaping opportunities for women in tech
• Mrs. Cynthia Amartey, Director of Human Resources at Electricity Company of Ghana, bringing her extensive experience in implementing gender development policies and empowerment initiatives
• Dr. Mrs. Enyonam Kpekpena, Chair of Women in Engineering (WFEO, FAEO, WinE-GhIE), whose leadership in global engineering organizations will help bridge crucial gaps in tech education and professional development

A Powerhouse Team

The Ghana chapter launches with a strong operational team including:

• Barbara Hodasi-Yallow as Community Manager
• Elizabeth Appiah as Marketing Manager
• Cordelia Ivy Sackey as Events Manager
• Stephen Nsor as Partnership Manager
• Sena Kwami as Social Media Manager
• Mildred Vittor as Programs Manager

Distinguished Speakers and Vision

The launch event featured keynote speaker Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, whose groundbreaking work in establishing biomedical engineering in Africa exemplifies the innovation we aim to foster. Her address highlighted the crucial role of mentorship in developing the next generation of women tech leaders.

Looking Forward

As Women in Tech® continues to grow, now reaching 54 countries with over 250,000 members globally, the Ghana chapter represents another step toward our goal of empowering 5 million women and girls in STEAM by 2030. The chapter’s focus on mentorship, education, and professional development aligns perfectly with our core mission to create a world where women and girls thrive in STEAM, shaping the future of technology with confidence and excellence.

The launch was supported by key organizations including JOSPONG Group of Companies, Electricity Company of Ghana, and Forest Grove Hotel, demonstrating the strong corporate commitment to advancing women in technology in Ghana.

We look forward to the impressive initiatives and success stories that will emerge from our Ghana chapter as they work to transform the technology landscape and create more opportunities for women in STEAM fields.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and supporting our mission to empower women in technology across Africa and beyond. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future in technology.

#WomenInTech #Ghana #WomenInSTEAM #TechLeadership #Innovation #WomenEmpowerment

On January 21st, 2024, during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Women in Tech Global will host a landmark dinner to officially launch the Women in Tech Global Council – a groundbreaking initiative that brings together some of the world’s most influential voices in technology, business, and policy.
This exclusive, invitation-only evening will mark the beginning of a powerful new chapter in our mission of Advancing Gender Equity in the Digital Age. The inaugural dinner will convene distinguished leaders and visionaries who are at the forefront of shaping our digital future.

The Women in Tech Global Council represents a carefully curated network of change-makers who leverage their positions and influence to drive meaningful transformation, foster strategic partnerships, and advance technology diplomacy on a global scale. Each member brings unique expertise and a demonstrated commitment to creating a more inclusive digital world.

By launching the Council during the World Economic Forum, we position gender equity in technology at the heart of global economic discussions. This timing reflects our commitment to ensuring that women’s perspectives and leadership are central to shaping the future of technology and innovation.

The evening will feature meaningful dialogue about the future of technology, cross-sector collaboration opportunities, and concrete actions for advancing gender equity in the digital age. It represents not just a gathering, but the beginning of a powerful movement to transform the technology sector.

This launch dinner sets the stage for a year of impactful initiatives and collaborations that will help shape a more inclusive and equitable digital future. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and announcements from this historic evening.

Women in Tech Global has taken significant steps to strengthen its presence in Uzbekistan’s technology sector, focusing on empowering women in the rapidly growing IT industry. This expansion aligns with the organization’s global mission to foster diversity and inclusion in tech.

Strategic Partnerships

Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder and CEO of Women in Tech Global, recently visited Uzbekistan to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders in the country’s tech ecosystem. These partnerships aim to create more opportunities for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields.

Key Partners

The organization has joined forces with several esteemed institutions, including:

– Fintech Association of Uzbekistan
– IMPACTHUB
– IT Community of Uzbekistan
– ITCOMMS
– IT PARK Uzbekistan
– IT Park University
– TBC
– “Single integrator – UZINFOCOM” LLC
– Uzum

The recent signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Women in Tech Global and various stakeholders in Uzbekistan was made possible following Kamola Sobirova’s visit to Paris during the Women in Tech Global Summit last May. At this pivotal event, which gathered over 400 delegates from around the world, Sobirova represented Uzbekistan, engaging with leaders and innovators dedicated to advancing women’s roles in technology. Her participation underscored the commitment of Uzbekistan to fostering a supportive environment for women in the tech industry. The connections made during the summit laid the groundwork for these collaborations, enabling Women in Tech Global to partner with key local organizations.

Collaborative Framework

These MOUs establish a framework for long-term collaboration, focusing on activities that will empower women in Uzbekistan’s IT industry. By combining global expertise with local knowledge and resources, Women in Tech Global aims to create a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape in the country.

Leadership and Vision

Anna Ambrozevich, Director of Women in Tech Uzbekistan, has been instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward. During recent events, including the Women in Tech CCA Awards held in Tashkent, she emphasized the increasing representation of women in IT and the importance of state support for women’s initiatives.

Impact and Future Outlook

The signing of these MOUs marks a significant milestone in efforts to empower women and girls in STEAM across Central Asia. Women in Tech Global is confident that these partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and empowering tech-driven future in Uzbekistan.

Growing Presence

Uzbekistan has become the first country in Central Asia where Women in Tech operates, with the organization’s office in Tashkent. This expansion reflects the growing importance of the region in the global tech landscape and the organization’s commitment to supporting women in technology worldwide.

As Women in Tech Global continues to expand its reach and impact in Uzbekistan, it remains dedicated to creating a supportive environment for women in the tech industry, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change in the Uzbek tech ecosystem.

On July 26th, Sea Point High School hosted a highly successful Career Day, dedicated to inspiring students to explore careers in technology and STEM fields, regardless of gender. The event aimed to bridge the gap in these industries by encouraging young minds to pursue opportunities in technology, which is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the modern workforce.

The event featured six distinguished industry experts, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. They shared personal stories of how technology has empowered them to build successful, financially independent, and continuously evolving careers. The speakers included:

💫 Mbulelo Sochifa – Head of IT at Glacier by Sanlam
💫 Nqobile Mahlangu – Cybersecurity Business Engagement Lead at Absa Group
💫 Kgomotso W. – Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
💫 Phindile Shezi – QA Manager at takealot.com
💫 Cherzaan Perumal – IT Talent Acquisition Manager at The Shoprite Group of Companies
💫 Emma Mphahlele – CEO of Kids Innovate Africa – Robotics with Neurodiverse

These experts emphasized the critical role of technology in today’s rapidly evolving job market, where AI and robotics are transforming how we work. They highlighted that future jobs will demand a solid foundation in technology, making it essential for students to become tech-savvy to stay competitive.

The event was particularly impactful in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. The female speakers, through their stories of resilience and success in male-dominated industries, inspired the grade 10, 11, and 12 students to understand that technology is not just for boys but is accessible to everyone passionate about innovation and problem-solving. Their journeys served as a powerful testament to the boundless opportunities available in the tech space, motivating students to consider careers that could shape the future.

Sea Point High School’s Career Day was a significant step towards empowering the next generation of tech leaders, fostering a more inclusive environment in technology and STEM careers.

On Friday, August 2nd, Women in Tech South Africa hosted an empowering Entrepreneurs Workshop at Philippi Village, where 70 talented young students gathered to explore the world of business. The workshop aimed to inspire and equip these budding entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The energy in the room was palpable as the students, working in teams, were tasked with creating a business concept using their group’s collective resources, skills, and talents. Each team was challenged to develop a company name, logo, tagline, mission statement, and value proposition. The results were nothing short of extraordinary.

From traditional food businesses and an R&B music label to a medication transport service using bikes, a safety app, and a digital skills training company, the range of ideas showcased the creativity, professionalism, and innovation of these young minds. The presentations were impressive, highlighting the potential of these future entrepreneurs.

The workshop was further enriched by the presence of Mona-Lisa Maposa, Jill Isaacs Bachan, and Janine Paulsen from Absa. Mona-Lisa delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing her journey and offering invaluable insights to the students. Her words resonated deeply, motivating the participants to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.

This impactful event was made possible through the collaboration with Sandiswa Gwele from the Ukhanyo Foundation NPO and her dedicated team, who facilitated the workshop with great success. A special thank you is also extended to Absa for their unwavering support, which played a crucial role in bringing this initiative to life at Philippi Village.

“As I reflect on the day, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future of these young entrepreneurs. The seeds of innovation have been planted, and, my hope, is that these students will continue to nurture their ideas and eventually bring them to fruition. The Entrepreneurs Workshop at Philippi Village was not just an event; it was a launchpad for the next generation of business leaders who are poised to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.” Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director, Women in Tech

We’re excited to announce that Women in Tech® Global has partnered with École des Ponts Business School to support and advance women’s leadership in technology and business. This collaboration brings together two organizations committed to fostering equity, innovation, and excellence in the corporate world.

École des Ponts Business School, founded by a woman, offers cutting-edge executive programs designed to empower future leaders. Through our partnership, members of the Women in Tech community now have access to exclusive benefits for these transformative educational opportunities.

LeadTech Global Executive MBA: Bridging the Gap

The LeadTech Global Executive MBA, a dual-degree program offered jointly with EADA Business School in Barcelona, features a groundbreaking 32% Women in Business Scholarship. This scholarship doubles the European gender pay gap figure from when the program launched in 2019, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing gender inequity in business.

Key benefits of the LeadTech Global Executive MBA:

1. Expand your global network
2. Master Leadership, Technology, and Innovation
3. Boost your growth potential with 1-1 coaching

Applications are open for the October 2024 intake. As part of our partnership, Women in Tech members are eligible for an additional 5% referral discount. Use the code “WOMTECH” in your application to claim this exclusive benefit.

Executive DBA: Advancing Beyond the MBA

For those looking to define their unique subject-matter expertise, the Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program offers an opportunity to advance beyond the MBA level. This part-time program is designed for experienced executives, including our own Ayumi, founder and CEO of Women in Tech, who is currently pursuing her E-DBA at École des Ponts Business School.

To increase female representation in senior leadership and board positions, École des Ponts offers a Women in Corporate Governance Scholarship, providing a 10% tuition fee reduction. Through our partnership, Women in Tech members are eligible for an additional 5% referral discount on this program as well.

This collaboration between Women in Tech and École des Ponts Business School represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable business world. By combining our networks and resources, we’re opening doors for women to access world-class education and advance their careers in technology and business leadership.

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Visit École des Ponts Business School’s website for more information on their programs and scholarships, or contact their admissions team to learn how you can benefit from our partnership. Together, we’re shaping the future of women in tech and business.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent complication during pregnancy, affecting a significant percentage of pregnant women globally. Defined as “diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation,” GDM poses serious health risks for both mother and child if not managed effectively. In Mexico, the prevalence of GDM is estimated to be between 10 and 12%, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and intervention strategies .

The study, led by Héctor Gallardo-Rincón and a team of researchers, introduces the MIDO GDM model—an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction model designed specifically for the early detection of GDM in Mexican women. This pioneering research, published in Scientific Reports, underscores the potential of AI in transforming healthcare by providing accurate, early predictions that can lead to timely and effective interventions .

Methodology and Development of the MIDO GDM Model

The MIDO GDM model was developed using data from 1709 pregnant women who participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study ‘Cuido mi embarazo’ conducted between April 2019 and May 2021. Out of these, 860 women were used for building the model, half of whom had GDM. The model utilized an artificial neural network (ANN) approach, which offers several advantages over traditional statistical methods. These include the ability to handle non-structured and missing input data, identify complex non-linear relationships, and perform parallel data processing .

Key predictive variables identified for the model included maternal age, family history of type 2 diabetes, previous diagnosis of hypertension, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational week at first prenatal visit, parity, birth weight of the last child, and random capillary glucose level. These variables are easily collected and do not require extensive laboratory testing, making the model highly applicable even in low-resource settings .

The ANN model demonstrated high accuracy and sensitivity, with a precision of 70.3% and a sensitivity of 83.3% for identifying women at high risk of developing GDM. The model’s robustness was further validated through external datasets, achieving an area under the ROC curve of 0.9308, indicating excellent predictive performance .

Implementation and Impact

The practical application of the MIDO GDM model within the Mexican healthcare system is a critical step forward. Integrated into the MIDO healthcare strategy, which includes a series of digital platforms aimed at preventing various chronic diseases, the MIDO GDM model will facilitate early detection and personalized healthcare interventions for pregnant women. The system, already utilized in 388 primary healthcare centers across Mexico, offers healthcare professionals and patients access to risk assessments and personalized health recommendations through the Mi Salud Integral app .

This model is not only a tool for early detection but also a strategic innovation that promises to enhance the overall quality of prenatal care. By enabling early identification of GDM risk, healthcare providers can implement preventative measures sooner, potentially reducing the incidence of complications associated with GDM.

Conclusion

The development of the MIDO GDM model represents a significant advancement in the use of AI for healthcare. Its ability to accurately predict GDM using easily obtainable data makes it a valuable tool, particularly in low-resource settings. As the model continues to be refined and integrated into broader healthcare strategies, it holds promise for improving maternal and child health outcomes significantly.

The research, supported by a collaboration of experts from various institutions and the Carlos Slim Foundation, highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. With continued innovation and application, AI-driven models like MIDO GDM could redefine the standards of prenatal care and chronic disease prevention worldwide .

By focusing on early detection and intervention, the MIDO GDM model not only addresses a critical healthcare need but also sets a precedent for future AI applications in medicine. This approach exemplifies how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility and quality, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for populations at risk.

References:

Gallardo-Rincón, H., Ríos-Blancas, M. J., Ortega-Montiel, J., Montoya, A., Martinez-Juarez, L. A., Lomelín-Gascón, J., Saucedo-Martínez, R., Mújica-Rosales, R., Galicia-Hernández, V., Morales-Juárez, L., Illescas-Correa, L. M., Ruiz-Cabrera, I. L., Díaz-Martínez, D. A., Magos-Vázquez, F. J., Vargas Ávila, E. O., Benitez-Herrera, A. E., Reyes-Gómez, D., Carmona-Ramos, M. C., Hernández-González, L., … Tapia-Conyer, R. (2023). MIDO GDM: An innovative artificial intelligence-based prediction model for the development of gestational diabetes in Mexican women. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 6992. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34126-7

The UK’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills gap is a pressing issue, impacting numerous industries and sectors. A significant shortage of skilled workers in these fields poses challenges for employers, who struggle to fill vacancies with qualified candidates. This shortage has not gone unnoticed by the government, which has launched various initiatives aimed at bridging this gap. However, despite these efforts, there remains a critical barrier to effectively addressing the STEM skills shortage: the lack of a consistent definition of what constitutes “STEM skills.”

The STEM Skills Gap: An Overview

The UK faces a notable deficit in workers possessing STEM skills, particularly in industries such as engineering, technology, and manufacturing. According to a report by the Social Market Foundation, this shortage costs the UK economy approximately £1.5 billion annually due to recruitment, temporary staffing, and additional training expenses (Rens, 2015). The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) estimates that the UK will need 1.8 million more engineers and technicians by 2025 to meet economic demands (RAE, 2021).

This shortage is further highlighted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which found that 62% of employers believe the skills shortage significantly impacts their business, with 68% predicting it will worsen over the next few years (IET, 2023). The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee also identified the UK’s low level of STEM skills compared to other countries, emphasizing a high proportion of adults lacking basic digital skills (House of Commons, 2018).

Methodological Approach: The Need for a Unified Definition

To tackle the STEM skills gap, a systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol, which ensures comprehensive, transparent, and replicable methodologies. This review, authored by P. Banerjee, Luke Graham, and Gemma Given, aimed to identify and analyze inconsistencies in the definitions of STEM used across various research reports, policy documents, and journal articles.

The study involved a meticulous search of multiple databases, including Google Scholar, ERIC, and Education Research Complete, focusing on research published between 2010 and 2023. This search was supplemented by known reports from previous work in the area. The review included studies conducted in the UK or relevant to the UK context, published in peer-reviewed journals, policy reports, or by learned societies and public bodies.

Findings: Inconsistencies in Defining STEM

The review revealed significant inconsistencies in how STEM is defined across different reports and studies. For instance, some studies adopt a broad definition that includes subjects like biology, chemistry, and computer science, while others use a more narrow definition focusing only on math-intensive fields such as engineering and physics.

These variations in definitions lead to conflicting interpretations of STEM skills availability, ranging from perceived shortages to an abundance of qualified workers. Such disparities hinder effective policymaking and the implementation of targeted interventions.

The Impact of Inconsistent Definitions

Inconsistent definitions of STEM subjects not only create confusion but also impede efforts to address the skills gap. For example, some research reports suggest a growing demand for STEM graduates, while others challenge the existence of a significant skills gap (Smith & White, 2020; White & Smith, 2022). This conflicting evidence makes it difficult for policymakers to develop strategies that accurately reflect the needs of the labor market.

Recommendations: Moving Towards Standardization

To address these issues, the review advocates for a standardized approach to defining STEM skills and subjects. This involves a collaborative effort among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to develop a comprehensive and inclusive definition that reflects the current and future needs of the STEM workforce.

A consistent definition of STEM will help streamline educational and training programs, ensuring they meet the actual needs of employers and the wider community. It will also facilitate better tracking of STEM participation and career trajectories, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Conclusion

Addressing the STEM skills gap in the UK requires more than just increasing funding and promoting training programs. It necessitates a unified and clear understanding of what constitutes STEM skills. By adopting a standardized definition, stakeholders can better coordinate efforts, implement effective interventions, and ultimately close the skills gap, ensuring the UK remains competitive in the global economy.

Read the full article:

• https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2288736

 

References:

• Banerjee, P., Graham, L., & Given, G. (2024). A systematic literature review identifying inconsistencies in the inclusion of subjects in research reports on STEM workforce skills in the UK. Cogent Education, 11:1, 2288736. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2288736
• Rens, T. V. (2015). The skills gap: Is it a myth? Social Market Foundation. https://www.smf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SMF-CAGE-Policy-Briefing-Skills-Gap-Myth-Final.pdf
• Royal Academy of Engineering. (2021). Securing the future STEM careers provision in schools and colleges in England. RAE. https://www.engineeringuk.com/media/274342/euk2535_careers_provision_report_lr.pdf
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). (2023). Skills and Demand in Industry.
• House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. (2018). Digital skills crisis.