Sectoral Analysis of Regional Markets in Georgia by Using the Components of Smart Specialization

Abstract

Conducting analysis of labor market supply and demand is an essential step towards the reduction of unemployment. Having an informed understanding of what type of education, skills, and experience are demanded by the market can prepare job-seekers better to access employment, as well as entrepreneurial and educational opportunities. The study aims to map and analyze the private sector in Tbilisi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region (Senaki, Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha, and Poti municipalities) and Kvemo Kartli region (Marneuli municipality). The assessment methodology entailed a combination of desk research and qualitative study. During the desk research, the size of the market in each of the target regions was studied and, by using the economic potential component of the Smart Specialization methodology, a private sector assessment was conducted. Smart Specialization1 is an approach that has been elaborated by the European Union (EU), and is widely used when analyzing national and regional competitiveness.