This white paper from the World Economic Forum introduces the "skills-first" approach to talent management that emphasises a person's skills and competencies - rather than degrees, job histories or job titles - with regard to attracting, hiring, developing, and redeploying talent. It shows how this approach can bring economic growth, more equity and greater inclusion by recognising and providing individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. 

The report proposes an initial framework for action areas supported by case studies for businesses to unlock the benefits of a skills-first approach. These include: (1) identifying current and future skills needs and gaps and map skills to work tasks; (2) articulate skills needs in job descriptions and recognise innovative skills-based assessment methods; (3) co-develop and co-deliver skills-based training programmes with industry, learning providers and government; (4) boost lifelong learning and access to skills-based learning opportunities; (5) and create skills-based pathways for development and redeployment.