Technology as a driver of skills obsolescence and skills mismatch: Implications for the labour market, society and the economy

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to synthesise and build on the discourse of technological implications for the workforce in a post-information age. It has found that throughout history, the advance of technology is correlated with social issues, particularly issues of rising unemployment as a result of skills obsolescence and mismatch. However, as long as appropriate measures to adjust to technological changes are taken, unemployment will only remain as a temporary phase. The pursuit of lifelong learning and adoption of strategic human resource management is found to be an effective solution in bridging the gap and slowing down the rate of skills mismatch. Individuals can also pursue the increasing job opportunities emerging within knowledge-intensive and technology sectors. Furthermore, talent brokers have a growing role as an intermediary to the supply and demand of skills.