Bridging the Gap: Analyzing Skill and Educational Mismatch in Lebanon with a Regional Comparison

The present study examines the education and skills mismatch issue in Lebanon, focusing on its causes, consequences, and potential solutions in light of the country's devastating economic situation. This research employs a mixed-methods approach using quantitative as well as qualitative data by utilizing student, graduate and unemployed individuals' survey responses, and professional interviews. A comparative case study with Egypt and Jordan is conducted to further understand the matter of skill and educational disparity from a regional framework, demonstrating similar challenges in the context of this mismatch. This investigation discovered considerable rates of overeducation and skill underutilization. This paper analyzed various drivers of the mismatch in Lebanon, such as educational curriculum, favoring vocational graduates, low salaries, lack of expertise, deficiency of professional network, insufficient job openings in relevant fields, brain drain, Syrian refugee crisis, and severe Economic crisis. The outcomes confirm major negative effects, including further brain drain, unemployment, underemployment, competition with foreign workers, human capital deterioration, gender-specific challenges as males are being affected by the mismatch more than females, prioritizing fresh graduates, and exaggeration of the issue of low salaries. Given the findings, the paper makes direct policy recommendations to educational institutions, businesses, and the government to enhance education-employment matching in Lebanon.