References
This database has been compiled to provide a searchable repository on published research addressing “future skills” that will be a useful tool for researchers and individuals interested in the future of work and the future of skills.
The database integrates existing bibliographies focused on future skills and the future of work as well as the results of new ProQuest and Google Scholar searches. The process of building the database also involved consultations with experts and the identification of key research organizations publishing in this area, as well as searches of those organizations’ websites. For a more detailed explanation of how the database was assembled, please read the Future Skills Reference Database Technical Note.
The current database, assembled by future skills researchers at the Diversity Institute, is not exhaustive but represents a first step in building a more comprehensive database. It will be regularly updated and expanded as new material is published and identified. In that vein, we encourage those with suggestions for improvements to this database to connect with us directly at di.fsc@ryerson.ca.
From this database, we also selected 39 key publications and created an Annotated Bibliography. It is designed to serve as a useful tool for researchers, especially Canadian researchers, who may need some initial guidance in terms of the key references in this area.
Search the database
Reference
Will robots and AI take your job? The economic and political consequences of automation
Robotics and machine learning have improved productivity and enhanced the economies of many nations. Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced into finance, transportation, defense, and energy management. The internet of things (IoT) is facilitated by high-speed networks and remote sensors to connect people and businesses. Yet amid these possible benefits, there is widespread fear that robots and AI will take jobs and throw millions of people into poverty.
Reference
What happens if robots take the jobs? The impact of emerging technologies on employment and public policy
[R]obots, artificial intelligence, computerized algorithms, mobile sensors, 3-D printing, and unmanned vehicles are here and transforming human life. People can decry these developments and worry about their “dehumanizing impact,” but we need to determine how emerging technologies are affecting employment and public policy.
Reference
Postsecondary education metrics for the 21st Century
The report, Postsecondary Education Metrics for the 21st Century, argues that it’s time to take a fresh look at how to best evaluate the performance of the province’s postsecondary system. It suggests that performance metrics be closely tied to government policy, focused on impact and outcomes rather than inputs, based on the best available data and motivated by a desire for improvement rather than accountability.
Reference
Adapting post-secondary education for the future
To prepare students for the future labour market, post-secondary institutions must improve the way they teach, measure and credential skills.
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On test: Skills, summary of findings from HEQCO’s skills assessment pilot studies
One of the first major attempts to measure employment-related skills in university and college students on a large scale shows that students are experiencing some gains in literacy, numeracy and critical-thinking scores over the course of their undergraduate studies. Yet, one in four graduating students scored below adequate in measures of literacy or numeracy, and less than a third scored at superior levels, according to findings by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO).
HEQCO completed two large-scale trials involving more than 7,500 students at 20 Ontario universities and colleges to measure literacy, numeracy and critical-thinking skills in entering and graduating students. The results of the trials are contained in this report
Reference
Community capital: Leveraging interorganizational networks to improve youth employment equity
Community capital provides a powerful opportunity for improving health and health equity in the GTA through networks and relationships at the inter-organizational and intersectoral level. Inter-organizational networks and community hub models help connect social services as widespread as community centres, settlement agencies, government services, cultural associations, employment services, educational systems and health care. Creating stronger connections between services has been shown to improve health, and social and economic outcomes for communities (Wood Green Community Services 2015). For example, in one Toronto initiative between schools and health care, providers worked together to close gaps in access to health care in low-income communities, improving both health and educational outcomes for young students (Yau and DeJesus 2016). Despite widespread agreement on the value of inter-organizational networks, such networks are often difficult to establish and maintain, and subsequently fail to meet people’s optimistic expectations (Weiner and Alexander 1998). The reason may be that we lack a practical understanding of how networks operate and how they might be strengthened to serve different community needs.
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Investors in people - Research on the new choices approach
This report details research into the New Choices approach to Investors in People (IIP), which was introduced in May 2009. The project, undertaken by HOST Policy Research, identifies the impact of New Choices approach on attitudes towards and take up of IIP. Research included stakeholder interviews, an e-survey of employers engaged with the New Choices approach, and case study work with employers. The report identifies areas for potential future activity, including targeted marketing of IIP to smaller organizations; increased use of IIP Champions and Employer Representatives; greater links with the wider business and labour market infrastructure; and further consideration of how the award levels are promoted.
Reference
Understanding skills and performance challenges in the wholesale and retail sector
The vision of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills is to create the best opportunities for the talents and skills of people to drive competitiveness and growth. By having informed intelligence about the labour market, businesses and people can make informed decisions on skills and careers. Developing a deep understanding of the skills and performance challenges facing the UK economy now, and in the future, is integral to this vision. The wholesale and retail sector is an important contributor to the UK economy and has been successful in achieving growth and remaining competitive, despite the economic downturn. However, changes in technological advancements have created many challenges which in turn have consequences for the sector’s skills supply and needs, and impact upon workforce development strategies. The aim of this research was to investigate the skills requirements of the wholesale and retail sector in relation to a number of key themes and associated drivers of change (as listed below). Six themes were initially identified by UKCES along with the drivers of change, were refined through the research. The study involved a detailed literature review, data analysis and a series of depth interviews with employers and stakeholders.
Reference
Technology and skills in the construction industry
‘Technology and Skills in the Construction Industry’ details the findings of a study into the role of technology in driving high level skills needs in the construction industry, with a specific focus on offsite construction.2 The construction industry is one of the most important sectors to the UK economy, with 12 per cent of construction taking place offsite (Taylor, 2010). This report is one of a number of studies commissioned with the purpose of understanding the skills needs of Government priority sectors. 3 This is essential in order to ensure appropriate responses in relation to tackling skills gaps and shortages, so that the UK is best placed to compete in a global marketplace. The research used a mixed approach of depth interviews with academics, industry representative bodies, employers, trade associations and professional institutes, combined with a literature review and roundtable discussion events.