Investing in Human Capital: the Role of Higher Education in Economic Development and in the Reduction of Skills Mismatch. The Finnish Model and the Case of Tampere University

This thesis investigates the relationship between higher education and the labour market, focusing on the phenomenon of skills mismatch, namely the gap between the competences possessed by graduates and those demanded by employers. Starting from the concept of human capital, the study highlights how universities should be regarded not only as educational institutions but also as strategic drivers of economic development, innovation and international competitiveness. The research also examines the role of the European Union in promoting cooperation in the fields of education, mobility and employability through policies and programmes aimed at fostering skills development and strengthening the connection between higher education and the labour market. The thesis then analyses the main determinants of higher education attractiveness, including territorial marketing, national branding, communication strategies and student experience, considering them as factors that contribute to attracting, developing and retaining qualified human capital. The core of the research focuses on the Finnish higher education system and, in particular, on the case of Tampere University, presented as an example of a model characterised by strong cooperation between universities, businesses and local territories. Through a comparison with the Italian context, the study shows how an innovation-oriented and practice-based system can enhance graduate employability and contribute to reducing skills mismatch.