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The increasing demand for skilled workers in Australia: the role of technical change

Author

Listed:
  • Craig de Laine

    (Productivity Commission)

  • Patrick Laplagne

    (Productivity Commission)

  • Susan Stone

    (Productivity Commission)

Abstract

Examines how technological change has affected the demand for skilled workers. Over the past twenty years, there has been a shift toward employment of skilled workers in Australia, as well as in many other industrialised economies. While it has sometimes been argued that the trend toward skilled workers is due to increased trade with low wage countries, the paper shows other factors are at work. Changing employment patterns are more closely associated with a pull toward skilled workers, rather than a push away from lower skilled workers. The paper emphasises the role technology has played in shaping this demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Craig de Laine & Patrick Laplagne & Susan Stone, 2001. "The increasing demand for skilled workers in Australia: the role of technical change," Labor and Demography 0105005, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpla:0105005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Roy Green & John Burgess & Grant Turner, 2004. "The ICT Sector, Growth and Productivity: Ireland and Australia Compared," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 15(1), pages 99-127, June.
    3. Dean Parham & Paula Barnes & Paul Roberts & Sharon Kennett, 2001. "Distribution of 1990s Income Gains," Agenda - A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, Australian National University, College of Business and Economics, School of Economics, vol. 8(3), pages 247-261.
    4. Huy Quang Vu, 2012. "Imports and the demand for skilled and unskilled labour - the Australian experience," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 15(1), pages 37-55.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labour market - skilled workers - technical change - computers - employment - high skilled labour;

    JEL classification:

    • J - Labor and Demographic Economics

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