Many regional and local labour markets across European countries are at present characterised by an increasingly high shortage of labour and skills which in many localities have become permanent. In line with this picture, a rising demand for labour and skills across existing sectors, and particularly in new and emerging jobs, is expected in the near future. There are many factors influencing this complex situation. This volume of anthologycontributes to a better understanding of labour and skills shortage phenomena in the contemporary regional and local labour markets. More than 30 authors from different European countries and beyond discuss and offer insights on how to better understand labour and skills shortages and factors that influence them, and how to adequately measure the relevant labour market activities and demands in the context of changing demographics and other structual changes, as well as changes in societal and individual values.