BRIDGING THE FUTURE: ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY SKILL MISMATCH FOR GENERATION ALPHA IN THE CONTEXT OF PAKISTAN'S SMES

As Generation Alpha begins to shape the future workforce, a growing concern arises regarding the misalignment between academic instruction and industry requirements, especially within Pakistan's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This paper explores the underlying causes, current status, and potential strategies to bridge the skill gap facing this emerging generation. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, we analyze academic curricula, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and assess labor market trends. The paper proposes a collaborative framework to synchronize educational objectives with future skill demands, ensuring Generation Alpha's successful integration into a rapidly evolving job market, with a focus on the role of Pakistan's SMEs. Keywords: Generation Alpha, skill mismatch, academia-industry collaboration, SMEs, future of work, education reform, Pakistan