How computerization changes the UK labour market: The facts viewed from a new perspective

Lex Borgmans and Bas ter Weel

No 25, Research Memorandum from Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT)

Abstract: The digitization of the world as a result of the introduction of computers, chips, and ICT, hasundoubtedly been the most important technological development of the past few decades. Thefact that more and more workers use computers has led to the conclusion that computer skillsare becoming a key to social success. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the discussion ofthe effects of computerization on work. Our main conclusions are that the fear of a digital splitin society appears unjustified. Although computers initially find their way primarily to thehigher educated, practically all workers eventually end up working with computers. Absence ofcomputer skills probably plays no role during this process of computerization. This does notmean, however, that there is no need for policies to optimise the economic potential ofcomputers and ICT in general. Firstly, a properly developed infrastructure may be ofimportance for a rapid diffusion of the possibilities offered by ICT. This applies not only to thephysical networks, but also to the availability of software and information. In addition, it maybe expected that the educational requirements for workers will increase across the board andthere will be changes in the knowledge and skills that people need to have. These are notprimarily computer skills, but concern a much wider shift in the importance of various skills.Adjusting adequately to these changes, requires reliable data. What is being measured and howthe measurements are taken, will need to change considerably.

Keywords: labour economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2000
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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