Evidence of effectiveness
The result of the investment in regional skills platforms is primarily long-term and it is difficult to evaluate effects. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth will give a final report of the instrument to the government in March 2018. In an overview of the development projects between 2013-2017, the Agency concludes that the projects work primarily with building up work processes. A clear majority of the projects have a system perspective - they work to coordinate the actors responsible for the provision of skills. Many of the projects draw up strategies, action plans and similar documents that can steer the work. They develop processes to create consensus and dialogue. Other projects provide support for knowledge and analysis, as well as support for education planning. The Swedish labour market is improving, but it is difficult to say what effect the Regional Skills platforms have had on this trend.
Engagement of stakeholders
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth will give a final report of the instrument to the Government in March 2018. The Agency's proposal for guidelines for regional competence management, as reported in June 2017, constitutes an important basis for the continued regional skills supply work. The proposals are currently being prepared by the Government Offices. The instrument is dependent on funding from the Government and co-funding from the regions.