Download Dataset
Download metadata

Bolivia Labor Market Survey: Supply 2022 (Aggregated Data)

By Social Protection and Labor Markets Division (VPS/SCL/SPL)

This database provides information on the Bolivia labor market by tracking the evolution of student populations at universities and technical institutes along the country’s central axis (La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz) during 2020–2021.

The dataset covers:

  1. Undergraduate students by enrollment type (new, enrolled, graduates)
  2. Breakdowns by university type (public or private), department, and area of knowledge
  3. Comparable data for students at technical-level institutions

These indicators help characterize the Bolivian labor supply, showing the number and distribution of future professionals from both public and private institutions. By connecting education outcomes to workforce entry, the dataset complements the Bolivia employment data 2022, offering a clearer picture of labor market supply and demand trends.

The data are published in Urquidi et al. (2023), Labor Market Survey in Bolivia: Supply 2022 (DOI link).

Show more

Metadata & use

Identifier https://doi.org/10.60966/v6e37duz
License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Related Knowledge Product
Citation

Urquidi, Manuel, et al. (2024). Bolivia Labor Market Survey: Supply 2022 (Aggregated Data). IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/v6e37duz
Published date 2024-05-31
Modified date 2026-08-26
Tags/Keywords Labor Market · Labor Supply · Skills
Language
  1. Spanish
Temporal coverage 2020-2021
Country
Bolivia
Region Latin America and the Caribbean
Publisher
Inter-American Development Bank
Author
Urquidi, Manuel
Sardán, Solange
Serrate, Liliana
Albarracín, Santiago
Chumacero, Mauricio
Inter-American Development Bank
Data collection type Observational Data
Statistical type Cross-sectional Data
Data structure Structured Data
Data notes

What does the dataset include?

The dataset aggregates results from institutional surveys and censuses conducted in 2022 across Bolivia’s technical and higher education centers. It contains indicators on:

  • Number and type of training institutions
  • Enrollment and graduation rates by field of study
  • Gender distribution of students and graduates
  • Geographic concentration of labor supply by department and municipality
  • Institutional characteristics, including program levels and areas of specialization

What is the purpose of this dataset?

The goal is to provide policymakers, researchers, and development partners with a detailed picture of Bolivia’s workforce readiness. By mapping training output against labor market demand, the data provide evidence for evidence-based planning in education, employment, and productivity policy.

Who conducted the study?

The survey was conducted with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in collaboration with Bolivian institutions responsible for labor market monitoring and education planning.

How can this dataset be used?

Researchers and policymakers can use the Bolivia Labor Supply 2022 dataset to:

  • Evaluate skills gaps between training programs and employer demand
  • Identify regional disparities in workforce preparation
  • Design targeted workforce development strategies
  • Monitor progress toward employment and productivity goals

How does this dataset relate to other Bolivia labor market studies?

This dataset complements earlier IDB-supported surveys, including:

Together, these datasets provide a complete picture of Bolivia’s labor market — from education supply to workforce demand.

What are the dataset’s limitations?

  • The dataset reflects aggregated data, which may obscure micro-level institutional variations.
  • Some private institutions and training centers did not participate, potentially affecting full national coverage.
  • Results represent the 2022 reference year; cross-year comparison should consider methodological differences with previous rounds.

What policy decisions can this dataset inform?

  • Development of technical and vocational education strategies aligned with industry needs
  • Regional planning to reduce skills mismatches and enhance employment opportunities
  • Formulation of education-to-employment pathways to strengthen human capital formation
  • Support for gender and inclusion policies in training and labor market access

How does the education system in Bolivia align with labor market needs?

The 2022 supply survey shows strong enrollment in economics, administration, engineering, and health sciences. For example, over 29,000 students were enrolled in health-related programs, and more than 22,000 in engineering and technology. This indicates alignment with demand for technical and professional skills, though social sciences and humanities also remain significant.

What is the availability of STEM graduates in Bolivia to support the growing tech startup ecosystem?

Engineering and technology programs enrolled more than 22,000 students in 2021, with computer science and systems engineering among the largest subfields. This suggests a growing pool of STEM graduates, though the dataset highlights a concentration in traditional engineering disciplines such as civil and mechanical.

What is the status of youth employment and vocational training opportunities in Bolivia?

Technical-level universities reported thousands of new enrollments in agronomy, veterinary sciences, and applied engineering. These programs provide vocational pathways for youth, especially in agriculture and industrial sectors, complementing university-level supply.

What is the role of vocational training programs in Santa Cruz and their alignment with agricultural industry needs?

Santa Cruz recorded nearly 30,000 new university enrollments in 2021, with strong representation in agricultural sciences and veterinary programs. This reflects alignment with the region’s agro-industrial economy, ensuring a steady supply of trained professionals.

How do education levels and skill mismatches constrain Bolivia's labor supply?

The survey highlights concentration in certain fields (economics, law, health sciences), while technical and STEM fields are less evenly distributed across departments. This imbalance suggests potential mismatches between graduate supply and sectoral labor demand.

Dataset files

Load more