Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate how technological innovation and diffusion affects the training opportunities of older workers. Since the early 1970s, technological change has been a key factor in the re-organisation of the firm. A simple theoretical framework allows me to consider a firm that hires
and trains workers. The model shows how the features of technological change shape the firm’s training decision. In the second part of the paper I use a detailed matched employer-employee Australian survey, AWIRS (1995), to provide some evidence of how technological innovation and diffusion impacts upon the training opportunities of older workers. Among the most interesting results is evidence that older individuals, particularly those aged 55 and plus, employed in industries undergoing technological change have lower training opportunities. This result suggests that predictions regarding skill shortages in Australia may not be overly pessimistic.
and trains workers. The model shows how the features of technological change shape the firm’s training decision. In the second part of the paper I use a detailed matched employer-employee Australian survey, AWIRS (1995), to provide some evidence of how technological innovation and diffusion impacts upon the training opportunities of older workers. Among the most interesting results is evidence that older individuals, particularly those aged 55 and plus, employed in industries undergoing technological change have lower training opportunities. This result suggests that predictions regarding skill shortages in Australia may not be overly pessimistic.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 45-69 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | International Journal of Economic Policy Studies |
Volume | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Older workers
- Technological Change
- Innovation
- Diffusione
- Skill Shortag