As team leaders for the OECD National Skills Strategy country projects, Andrew Bell provided editorial and analytical guidance during the drafting process while Joanne Caddy provided guidance in designing and delivering the workshops and interministerial meetings. Deborah Roseveare (Head of the Skills Beyond School Division, Directorate for Education and Skills) provided thought leadership and strategic oversight. Without proper investment in skills, people languish on the margins of society, technological progress does not translate into growth, and countries are unable to compete in increasingly knowledgg-based global economies.