Working lives set to be transformed

Working lives set to be transformed

New research shows that while job titles may change more slowly than anticipated, about 40% of the tasks that we perform at work are likely to change in the next decade.

Even without any further technological change, the implementation of current technology across the economy is likely to change 40% of the tasks within existing jobs according to new research.

Flinders University Professor John Spoehr, a recognised national leader in researching the impacts of technological change on the economy and community, has conducted research in South Australia modelling the impacts of technological change on work.

“Currently available technologies could potentially displace 40% of jobs but our research indicates that most significant focus will be on changing tasks within jobs – so workers will have to adapt to changes in their role.

“The implications of this research suggests that problem solving, creativity, the ability to continuously learn and upgrade your skills is fundamentally important in the 21^st century. In future, what we are much more likely to see unfold is people going in and out of university to refresh their knowledge and skills in and out of their lifetime.”

Almost two decades after the last wheel nut was placed on a Mitsubishi Magna in Tonsley, in Adelaide’s Southern Suburbs, Professor John Spoehr has found a new workplace ‘home’ in a new office that has arisen at the site, in a $120 million advanced technology and research building that offers a new direction for engineering, business and work in the 21^st century.

It’s a fitting workplace for a man who has helped to lead Australia through the decline of its car industry, providing pointers to a new future for work.

Flinders University’s Tonsley campus has become the home of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, created by Professor Spoehr to build bridges between disciplines and identify new frameworks for industrial development.

“What attracted me to coming to Flinders was that Tonsley is transformation in action,” Professor Spoehr said.

“Having visited sites all around the world, Tonsley stands out as one of those sites where we have all the ingredients of a world-class innovation precinct.

“That’s what attracted me to Tonsley. Coming from another university, I was determined I wanted to be based in the new Flinders at Tonsley building with engineers and scientists. We are helping to build bridges between disciplines, with the business and economic expertise in Flinders business with the engineers and scientist coming up with great ideas that can potentially be commercialised.”

“I have been talking for decades about the importance of disciplines working together and Tonsley provided me with the chance to put my words into action.”