New technological skills and the future of work
The COVID-19 situation has given us a clear glimpse of the future of work, according to Associate Professor Victor Gekara who leads the Skills, Training and Industry Research Network in the College of Business.
The future of work was about advanced digital technologies; remote, flexible work arrangements; a digitally competent workforce; and highly sophisticated business interactions.
“Digital skills are no longer to be considered ‘nice to have’ but rather as a critical and essential business enabler,” he said.
Far too many Australian businesses still considered digital skills optional and the long-term delayed impact would be devastating.
“It is time Australia moved beyond talk of digital economy and embraced the more basic principles of a digital society.
“The strength of success of a digital economy lies in how digitally enabled the entire society is, otherwise it remains superficial.”
SMEs, family business, and organizational resilience
In today’s business environment many companies faced high levels of vulnerability and threats to their survival Professor of Family Business Entrepreneurship in the School of Management, Kosmas Smyrnios, warned.
However, resilient organizations were more likely to be prepared and able to deal with these threats and challenges than their non-resilient counterparts.
“Our longitudinal research shows that resilience is a dynamic attribute that involves multiple capabilities operating at a number of levels within an organization, and at different times,” he said.
These capabilities could be adapted for new venture creation and should be supported.
“In line with the Job Keeper program, there is a role for the establishment of a tailored job creation scheme, where the Commonwealth Government provides specific financial support for new entrepreneurial formation.
“A government-led job creation scheme would foster independence and a sense of empowerment in individuals and communities, shifting away from dependency on handouts.
He said a Grameen Bank style program could play a key part in assisting small business to recover.
