무역과 기능(skills)에 대한 분석 및 그 정책적 시사점

An Analysis of Trade and Skills and Its Policy Implications

Purpose This paper aims to derive policy implications after examining trade and skills, that is, the effect of skills on trade, the effect of trade and technology on the demand for skills, and the effect of trade and skills on productivity and wages. Design/Methodology/Approach This paper reviews and analyzes a substantial amount of latest international literature related to trade and skills. Findings In the context of globalization, where technology, market demand, and trade relations are rapidly changing, the response of the supply of skills to the demand for skills now and in the future is very important. The match between the supply of skills and the demand for skills plays a role in facilitating the adjustment of trade shocks by allowing exporting firms to effectively participate in international trade and transferring low-skilled workers in the import-competition sector to high-skilled, high-productivity jobs in the export sector. Skills development is very important for an economy to expand exports, absorb foreign direct investment, and elevate the value chain. Trade can increase the demand for skills in both developed and developing countries through increased productivity and interaction with technological progress. Due to the increase in the relative demand for high-skilled workers, the wages of high-skilled workers tend to increase compared to low-skilled workers. An adequate supply of skills to meet the growing demand for skills is likely to reduce the pressures that intensify wage inequality and distribute the benefits of trade in a more balanced manner. Research Implications An important element of skills development can be said to be investment in skills by industry and provision of education and training as an appropriate response to skills and employment. In order for the skills development system to respond effectively to the demand for skills, an appropriate skills development policy is required.