A missing link: national economic aspirations and training and learning in firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider critically Government policy options in achieving growth through skills acquisition and deployment. Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a review of policies drawing on literature from a number of countries. Findings – Government has a tendency to offer macro‐solutions to a micro problem and is impotent as a result. The main hope lies in long‐term development through the education system. Practical implications – The paper argues for a change in perspective from Government and a shift away from unhelpful initiatives. It calls for a long‐term investment in education. Originality/value – The paper links the Government's macro‐economic policies with the micro‐ implications at the level of the firm.