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Disruptive processes and skills mismatches in the new economy: Theorizing social inclusion and innovation as solutions

Wendy Cukier (Diversity Institute, Ryerson University Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto, Canada)

Journal of Global Responsibility

ISSN: 2041-2568

Article publication date: 15 May 2019

Issue publication date: 21 August 2019

1002

Abstract

Purpose

Analysts predict that disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will have a monumental impact on the world of work in the coming decades, exacerbating existing skills gaps faster than education systems can adapt. This paper aims to review research on the forecasted impact of technology on labour markets and skill demands over the near term. Furthermore, it outlines how social innovations and inclusion can be leveraged as strategies to mitigate the predicted impact of disruptive technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages in an overview of relevant academic literature, policy and industry reports focussing on disruptive technologies, labour market “skills gaps” and training to identify ongoing trends and prospective solutions.

Findings

This paper identifies an array of predictions, made in studies and reports, about the impact of disruptive technologies on labour markets. It outlines that even conservative estimates can be expected to considerably exacerbate existing skills gaps. In turn, it identifies work-integrated learning and technology-enabled talent matching platforms as tools, which could be used to mitigate the effects of disruptive technologies on labour markets. It argues that there is a need for rigorous evaluation of innovative programmes being piloted across jurisdictions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focusses on these dynamics primarily as they are playing out in Canada and similar Western countries. However, our review and conclusions are not generalizable to other regions and economies at different stages of development. Further work is needed to ascertain how disruptive technologies will affect alternative jurisdictions.

Social implications

While “future of work” debates typically focus on technology and deterministic narratives, this paper points out that social innovations in training and inclusive technologies could prove useful in helping societies cope with the labour market effects of disruptive technologies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the existing literature on the labour market effects of novel technologies. It contributes original insights into the future of work debates by outlining how social innovation and inclusion can be used as tools to address looming skills mismatches over the short to medium term.

Keywords

Citation

Cukier, W. (2019), "Disruptive processes and skills mismatches in the new economy: Theorizing social inclusion and innovation as solutions", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 211-225. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-11-2018-0079

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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