Assessing the Integration of Higher Education and Employers in the Innovation Ecosystem based on Labor Market Requirements

This study examines the integration between higher education institutions and employers within the innovation ecosystem from the perspective of labor market requirements. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the quality of graduate training, professional competencies, practical skills, digital capabilities, and educational outcomes correspond to employers’ expectations. The empirical analysis is based on an employer survey conducted within the Finance education program, allowing the level of interaction between higher education and the labor market to be assessed through quantitative indicators. The study applies survey analysis, a Likert-scale assessment, comparative analysis, statistical grouping, and an integrated evaluation approach. The results identify existing gaps between graduate competencies and employer requirements and reveal the key factors influencing the effectiveness of university–employer cooperation. Based on the findings, priority directions are proposed for strengthening employer participation in curriculum development, expanding practice-oriented education, improving professional and digital competencies, and developing sustainable university–industry partnerships. The proposed approach contributes to improving the management of higher education–employer integration and increasing the responsiveness of higher education to changing labor market demands.