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Post-Secondary Educational Institutions' Adjustment to Labour Market Changes : Major Concerns and Key Research Issues

Author

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  • Claude Montmarquette
  • David Boisclair

Abstract

In this paper we argue for an enhanced market structure for PSE as an important means of adjustment of PSE to labour market changes. However, this market orientation, in our view (and other authors' opinion), can only be implemented after disentangling price mechanisms and income support in PSE and addressing potential pitfalls of this approach. The paper first briefly presents the theoretical characteristics of a market-based PSE system, then examines various dimensions of the system that could crucially impact on its feasibility. Key issues relating to these characteristics are surveyed, and some of the major concerns arising from the current Canadian system outlined. The basic question of measuring the adequacy of adjustment of the PSE system to labour market changes is also raised. The central role of students in the functioning of the PSE system both as it is now and in a more market-oriented version is then acknowledged. Consequently, the importance of understanding students' educational choice processes is stressed as a crucial step towards improving the PSE system's responsiveness to labour market, which should in turn lead to greater innovation and higher living standards (among other benefits). This is an "issues paper"" intended to foster discussion at a government- led roundtable and, as such, emphasizes and underscores what we see as key research issues. These questions and the broader lines of the research agenda that emerges from them are summarized at end of the paper Dans notre étude, nous considérons qu'une structure de marché perfectionnée peut aider, de façon importante, le système d'enseignement post-secondaire (ÉPS) à s'adapter à l'évolution du marché du travail. Toutefois, à notre avis (qui est partagé par d'autres auteurs), cette stratégie ne peut être mise en oeuvre qu'une fois que l'on aura démêlé les mécanismes d'établissement des prix et le soutien du revenu à l'ÉPS et que l'on aura examiné les problèmes qui peuvent se poser. Tout d'abord, nous brossons un tableau des caractéristiques théoriques d'un système d'ÉPS fondé sur le marché, ensuite, nous examinons diverses dimensions du système qui pourraient avoir une incidence importante sur sa faisabilité. Nous présentons les principales questions liées à ces caractéristiques ainsi que certaines grandes préoccupations soulevées par le système canadien actuel. Nous posons aussi la question fondamentale de l'évaluation du degré d'adaptation du système d'ÉPS au marché du travail. Nous reconnaissons le rôle central des étudiants dans le fonctionnement du système d'ÉPS dans sa version actuelle et dans une version davantage axée sur le marché. La compréhension des processus de sélection des domaines d'études par les étudiants est donc une étape essentielle à l'amélioration de la capacité du système d'ÉPS à répondre aux besoins du marché du travail, ce qui devrait, par ricochet, mener à l'accroissement de l'innovation et du niveau de vie (entre autres avantages). Le présent « document de fond » vise à alimenter la discussion à une table ronde organisée par le gouvernement. Il contient donc les questions de recherche que nous estimons primordiales. Ces questions ainsi que les grandes orientations de la recherche qui en découlent sont décrites brièvement à la fin du présent document.

Suggested Citation

  • Claude Montmarquette & David Boisclair, 2004. "Post-Secondary Educational Institutions' Adjustment to Labour Market Changes : Major Concerns and Key Research Issues," CIRANO Project Reports 2004rp-16, CIRANO.
  • Handle: RePEc:cir:cirpro:2004rp-16
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrew Sharpe & James Gibson, 2005. "The Apprenticeship System in Canada: Trends and Issues," CSLS Research Reports 2005-04, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.
    2. Claude Montmarquette & Laure Thomas, 2005. "La pénurie de travailleurs qualifiés," CIRANO Project Reports 2005rp-03, CIRANO.

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