Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum across OECD countries and beyond, with employers increasingly defining job requirements in terms of skills rather than formal qualifications. This shift raises important questions about the future role of higher education in workforce development. Is higher education losing relevance in a skills-first labour market? This presentation argues that higher education remains a central actor in skill formation but must adapt its strategies to meet evolving labour market needs. It explores how higher education institutions can strengthen their contribution through the expansion of micro-credentials, the use of skills intelligence data to inform programme design, and the promotion of skills-based curricula.