Management Model of Supply and Demand for Higher Education Qualifications in the Republic of Croatia

This paper analyzes the current problems of the Croatian labor market, focusing on: the imbalance in the supply and demand for higher education qualifications, poor recognition of higher education qualifications after completion of studies under the Bologna study system, and the possibility of implementing technical, technological and scientific development as a response to both the current and future needs of the Croatian economy. The aim of the paper is to point out the existing problems of the Croatian labor market and education system in the field of higher education and to propose a model in response to these problems. A labor market survey, conducted from 2008 to 2018, showed two main economic activities that mostly employ the tertiary-educated population. It also showed the ten most-demanded occupations in these two economic activities. A projection of the number of graduates in 2019 has been made according to the recommendations of the Croatian Employment Service in January 2019. As a possible response to the above-mentioned problems, a unique management model of supply and demand for higher education qualifications in the Republic of Croatia was created. The application of the Croatian Qualification Framework and the largely completed register is implied within the model. The model can be elaborated, and an information database for all stakeholders in this process can be created