Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/162534 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Policy Paper No. 123
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
A new technological epoch is underway - the so-called Machine Age - reflecting advances in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and Big Data. Some commentators have claimed that this epoch is different from previous ones in that it will produce large-scale technological unemployment, while others argue the contrary. Only time will judge who is right on this crucial debate. But the Machine Age will lead to major shifts in the demand and supplies of skills, especially digital skills. In this paper, I review the available cross-country evidence on the distribution of such digital skills across the adult populations within and across a large sample of OECD countries. I also review the evidence on participation rates in adult learning. Finally, I outline how education, training and labour market policies could help expand the supply of digital skills.
Subjects: 
machine age
technological unemployment
ICT-literacy/digital skills
adult learning
education and training policies
wage insurance
JEL: 
I28
J24
J68
O33
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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