BRIDGING THE FUTURE: ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY SKILL MISMATCH FOR GENERATION ALPHA IN THE CONTEXT OF PAKISTAN'S SMES

Authors

  • Arif Hussain Associate Professor, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
  • Dr. Noor Jehan Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
  • Dr. Mubashir Ahmad Assistant Professor, Department of business administration
  • Ibad Ullah HEC-NRPU
  • Mansoor Ahmad Assistant Controller of Finance, Accounts & Finance Department. Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar

Abstract

As Generation Alpha begins to shape the future workforce, a growing concern arises regarding the misalignment between academic instruction and industry requirements, especially within Pakistan's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This paper explores the underlying causes, current status, and potential strategies to bridge the skill gap facing this emerging generation. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, we analyze academic curricula, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and assess labor market trends. The paper proposes a collaborative framework to synchronize educational objectives with future skill demands, ensuring Generation Alpha's successful integration into a rapidly evolving job market, with a focus on the role of Pakistan's SMEs.

Keywords: Generation Alpha, skill mismatch, academia-industry collaboration, SMEs, future of work, education reform, Pakistan 

 

 

 

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Published

2025-05-09

How to Cite

Arif Hussain, Dr. Noor Jehan, Dr. Mubashir Ahmad, Ibad Ullah, & Mansoor Ahmad. (2025). BRIDGING THE FUTURE: ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY SKILL MISMATCH FOR GENERATION ALPHA IN THE CONTEXT OF PAKISTAN’S SMES. Journal for Current Sign, 3(2), 125–140. Retrieved from http://currentsignjournal.com/index.php/JCS/article/view/137

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Journal for Current Sign

Section

Articles