The 2023 Survey of Adult Skills provides unique information on adults’ proficiency in literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem solving. These are key information-processing skills that both individuals and societies need to thrive. They are a necessary foundation for further learning and innovation, and ultimately shape economic opportunities. Skills help adults manage and embrace complexity in both private and civic spheres. Skilled adults can better navigate the modern information landscape, thereby contributing to more informed collective decision making and policy choices.
Thirty-one countries and economies (mostly OECD members) participated in the 2023 Survey of Adult Skills. As 27 of them also participated in previous rounds, the data provide insights into how proficiency in literacy and numeracy has evolved over the past decade.