How Technology Affects Jobs: A Smarter Future for Skills, Jobs, and Growth in Asia

Abstract

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) unfolds, some types of jobs will disappear while many others will be created. While displacing some jobs in its wake, new technologies will simultaneously unleash countervailing forces that generate more jobs and the net effect at the aggregate level is positive. Shifts in the demand for workforce skills will require adequate skills development or retraining. Although the 4IR provides a unique opportunity for Asia to create new high-quality skills, capitalizing on this will require reforms in national education and training systems to ensure an agile and competent workforce.