Research

ROA’s field of research concerns the match between education and the labour market. More in particular, the institute aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between education and the labour market. Our intention is to make a significant contribution to both academic and societal discussions on the effects of knowledge and skills acquired in education and in other learning situations on (1) occupational careers, (2) performance within organisations, and (3) the development of the economy. The insight that ROA wishes to provide, consists not only of statistical data that increase the transparency of the labour market for those who need to take decisions on their education, but also includes knowledge of the way in which the labour market functions, and the choices that individuals, organisations and policy-makers can make with respect to education and the labour market.

ROA’s research is part of the research programmes of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE). Most of ROA’s research is commissioned research, which is organised along three research lines: Dynamics of the Labour Market, Education and Occupational Career, and Training and Employment. ROA’s applied research is mostly commissioned by ministries, but research contracts have also been received from lower-level authorities, the Council for Higher Vocational Education, Employment Services, businesses, educational institutions, sector organisations and the European Commission.