Crisis and change: Learning from the past to prepare for the future of work

Abstract

Until the point of crisis in the discussion about the future of work, it is still rather abstract – but it is clear that technology and economic change will rapidly reconfigure the way we work, and we need to prepare. Part of that preparation involves learning from past crises as a result of economic restructuring. It also involves identifying future opportunities not just in the STEM areas, but the crucial skills and expertise that come from the humanities and cultural sector. Technology will not only obliterate many well-established jobs, but it is possible that the role of work in social and political organisation will change and preparing for that will test many established institutions.