Increasing computational power has been reshaping the labour STEM skills market for over 60 years,

specifically Information Communications Technology (ICT) skills are frequently mentioned in the

context of changing work environments. In the 1970s, the internet, mobile phones and social media

did not exist as we know them today. Now they are integral parts of our lives, with IT-related

industries employing nearly as many people in Australia as the mining industry (Intergenerational

Report, Treasury 2015). The Foundation for Young Australians (2015) estimated that 90% of Australia’s

current workforce will need to be at least a proficient user of technology to communicate, find

information and perform transactions to accomplish their roles in a digitally enabled economy.

The capability of machines to replicate aspects of human thought is set to most radically reshape the

future of work (Committee for Economic Development of Australia 2015). Jobs that involve low levels

of social interaction, low levels of creativity, or low levels of mobility and dexterity are more likely to

be replaced by automation. There is a high probability that 40% of Australia’s workforce, more than

five million people, could be replaced by automation within the next ten to 20 years (Durrant-Whyte

et al. 2015). This number may be inflated as the analysis employs a full occupation replacement

approach rather than single job tasks automation. Research for the OEDC estimates the job

automatibility of jobs for 21 OECD countries to be 9% on average (Arntz et al. 2016). Over the last 50

years, there have been significant changes in the skill composition of employment, with consistent

growth in the employment of high-skill workers and a large decline in the share of middle-skill

workers, which is expected to continue (Borland & Coelli 2015).

In addition to the high pace of digital transformation, there are a range challenges presently facing

contemporary societies, which include confronting and adapting to climate change; ensuring

population health and wellbeing; managing food and water assets; lifting productivity and economic

Gitta Siekmann & Patrick Korbel 11

growth. Fostering STEM skills is seen to be vital preparation for addressing these challenges (Office of

the Chief Scientist 2013).