The Nexus between Future of Work and Future of Higher Education: Redefining Employability and Equity.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21243/mi-01-20-7Keywords:
Technology, future of work, future of education, employability, equity.Abstract
With the advent of a new decade, there is a reasonable understanding that change is here to stay. The economic progress and social wellbeing of an economy are believed to be resting upon the ability to adapt and respond to the changes. The changes can be broadly categorized as technological innovations, digital advancements, and automation in personal and professional spaces. Amidst the ongoing technological optimism and other socio-economic changes, the economies are also deliberate about preparing for the future of work (FoW). The emphasis is on increasing the employability with an underlying assumption that higher education can significantly contribute towards the economic welfare of the nations and prepare a competent workforce. The concept of employability is now central to higher education policy. Although employability has been defined as, an 'objective term' that can be measured in terms of the number of individuals employed after post-graduation, it also has a 'subjective' meaning in terms of the value of work to individuals and lifelong learning attached with the work. This article focuses on the subjective dimension of employability, involving individual cognition, social assets, and adaptability in the digital era. It argues that individuals will now require more cognitive, creative and social skills at work for a smooth transition into the future of work. Positional conflict theory is used to contextualize the nexus between higher education, employability and future of work in the changing times.
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