In this report, we look at a representative sample of studies on skills shortage in five sectors (Aerospace, Automobile, Biotechnologies, Environment Technologies and Information & Telecommunication Technologies) in order to better understand the interactions between skilled labour demand and skilled labour supply in these fields. We carry out a critical review of the methods and instruments currently being used to monitor the supply and demand of highly qualified personnel, particularly in these five industry sectors. We show that the vast majority of the studies and surveys reviewed are methodologically unsound; the more common problems being biased sampling, inadequate sample size and the exclusion of several key factors from the survey questionnaire or analysis. We end with a few recommendations.