The OECD Skills Outlook 2013 presents the initial results from the Survey of Adult Skills, a comprehensive assessment of adults' proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environments. The survey, conducted by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), provides valuable insights into how these key information-processing skills impact individuals' economic and social outcomes. Key findings include: 1. **Economic and Social Outcomes**: Adults with higher proficiency in literacy and numeracy are more likely to earn higher wages, be employed, and report better health and social outcomes such as trust, political efficacy, and participation in volunteer activities. 2. **Socio-Demographic Differences**: Proficiency levels vary significantly across different demographic groups, including age, gender, socio-economic background, educational qualifications, and occupation. For example, older adults, women, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds tend to have lower proficiency levels. 3. **Workplace Skills Use**: The survey also examines how these skills are used in the workplace, revealing that proficiency in information-processing skills is positively correlated with job performance and productivity. However, there is often a mismatch between the skills required for jobs and the skills possessed by workers, which can lead to underutilization and reduced wages. 4. **Development and Maintenance of Skills**: The report discusses factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of skills, such as education, training, and work-related practices. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and the role of adult education in enhancing proficiency. 5. **Policy Implications**: The findings emphasize the need for policies that promote lifelong learning, invest in education and training, and address skill mismatches to ensure that individuals can fully participate in the knowledge-based economy and enjoy better social outcomes. The OECD Skills Outlook 2013 aims to inform policy makers and stakeholders about the current state of adult skills and provide recommendations for improving skills development and utilization.The OECD Skills Outlook 2013 presents the initial results from the Survey of Adult Skills, a comprehensive assessment of adults' proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environments. The survey, conducted by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), provides valuable insights into how these key information-processing skills impact individuals' economic and social outcomes. Key findings include: 1. **Economic and Social Outcomes**: Adults with higher proficiency in literacy and numeracy are more likely to earn higher wages, be employed, and report better health and social outcomes such as trust, political efficacy, and participation in volunteer activities. 2. **Socio-Demographic Differences**: Proficiency levels vary significantly across different demographic groups, including age, gender, socio-economic background, educational qualifications, and occupation. For example, older adults, women, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds tend to have lower proficiency levels. 3. **Workplace Skills Use**: The survey also examines how these skills are used in the workplace, revealing that proficiency in information-processing skills is positively correlated with job performance and productivity. However, there is often a mismatch between the skills required for jobs and the skills possessed by workers, which can lead to underutilization and reduced wages. 4. **Development and Maintenance of Skills**: The report discusses factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of skills, such as education, training, and work-related practices. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and the role of adult education in enhancing proficiency. 5. **Policy Implications**: The findings emphasize the need for policies that promote lifelong learning, invest in education and training, and address skill mismatches to ensure that individuals can fully participate in the knowledge-based economy and enjoy better social outcomes. The OECD Skills Outlook 2013 aims to inform policy makers and stakeholders about the current state of adult skills and provide recommendations for improving skills development and utilization.