The digital revolution: the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on employment and education

In this paper, the author proposes that up to now technical revolutions have created more jobs than they destroy but that the digital revolution (the fourth industrial revolution) will not follow this pattern. In 2015, the Bank of England estimated that up to 15 million jobs in Britain are at risk. However, schools and universities have not adapted to the education and training needs of the new work order. The author argues that education focuses on active learning, technical entrepreneurial skills, and personal and collaborative skills for living and working harmoniously with others....  [+] Show more

In this paper, the author proposes that up to now technical revolutions have created more jobs than they destroy but that the digital revolution (the fourth industrial revolution) will not follow this pattern. In 2015, the Bank of England estimated that up to 15 million jobs in Britain are at risk. However, schools and universities have not adapted to the education and training needs of the new work order. The author argues that education focuses on active learning, technical entrepreneurial skills, and personal and collaborative skills for living and working harmoniously with others.

The author proposes an eight-point plan for education that responds to the digital revolution. Aspects include providing 3D printers and design software for all primary schools, reintroducing young apprenticeships at 14, blending a core academic curriculum with a day a week of technical learning and regular work experience, and letting young people take computer science or design and technology instead of a foreign language [General Certificate of Secondary Education] GCSE.

Edited excerpts from publisher's website and publication.