Criteria And Indicators For Assessing The Competitiveness Of Unemployed Youth In The Labor Market

Abstract

Increasing the competitiveness of unemployed youth in the labor market is a critical socio-economic issue that directly influences national development, employment stability, and the sustainable integration of young populations into productive sectors. While the labor force in Uzbekistan continues to grow, especially among youth aged 16–29, structural mismatches between education, vocational preparedness, and labor market needs persist. Although previous research highlights the importance of education, innovation, and social support, a comprehensive assessment framework that integrates educational, technological, psychological, and socio-economic indicators remains underdeveloped. This study aims to identify and analyze the criteria and indicators necessary for effectively assessing youth competitiveness in the labor market and to propose policy-oriented recommendations that address these gaps. The findings reveal that education level, mastery of modern technologies, psychological readiness, and access to social support systems are the primary determinants of youth competitiveness. Employment data show significantly higher success rates among youth with advanced education and technological skills. Furthermore, regional disparities in labor resource growth underscore the need for localized development strategies. The study presents a multi-dimensional indicator system that integrates traditional metrics with contemporary socio-psychological and technological factors. It also emphasizes the role of flexible employment, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and innovation-focused training. Enhancing youth competitiveness requires systemic modernization of education, expansion of vocational programs, integration of digital literacy, and the development of inclusive support mechanisms. These steps will improve labor market integration, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to socio-economic stability.