APPLICATION OF RAPID FORESIGHT IN DESIGNING REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

Abstract

This paper examines the disparity between the labor market needs of the Mangystau region and the education system's ability to prepare its people effectively. This study aimed to weave Foresight techniques into the regional educational guidelines, boosting the quality of professional training. The research employed a mixed-methods strategy, including an initial regional analysis, data collected from over 700 people via questionnaires and detailed conversations, and a Rapid Foresight workshop featuring 79 specialists from various sectors. Consequently, eight existing educational programs were evaluated and updated, forty-six key trends were identified, and work on an Atlas detailing new professions relevant to the region is ongoing. The investigation demonstrated that systematically forecasting the region's human capital needs and folding them into educational planning can be achieved successfully. The conclusion drawn was that employing Foresight methodologies in the creation of regional educational benchmarks is crucial in producing highly-skilled professionals, tailored to the specific requirements of the local economy.