Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation issues facing the country could become threats if not addressed immediately, a New Zealand tech leader said.
The TechLeaders Executive is a newly formed network aiming to face New Zealand’s unprecedented growth and change in technology, which is now the nation’s fastest-growing sector.
TechLeaders brought together executives from some of New Zealand’s biggest companies and organisations. It has been set-up with the support of NZTech.
NZTech CEO Grame Muller said they have just met in Auckland, and all agreed AI and other digital changes will greatly impact many of today’s jobs in coming years.
“If left unaddressed, these opportunities will turn to challenges and potential threats, leading to increased social and economic difficulties and a strain on government resources.” Muller said. “The TechLeaders discussed how we can help prepare New Zealand’s future workforce.”
Muller said New Zealand has to ensure that its education system is developing the skills needed for a future workforce – in particular, an understanding of digital technologies and collaborative working practices.
“We need to start developing policy and a national shared purpose around how to re-train or upskill current employees who work in jobs that may change or disappear rapidly due to technology,” he said.
The TechLeaders Executive has identified a number of ways that technology leaders and the industry could play an active role in helping secure Kiwis’ employment in the future. These include:
- Fostering a stronger connection with education to help prepare students, support teachers and support the introduction of the new digital technology curriculum.
- Working with government to help reshape the national conversation away from the robots that are replacing jobs to a more positive view that encourages upskilling.
TechLeaders chair David Kennedy said the network is composed of well-placed people, who will help tackle the difficult questions that need to be addressed to ensure future work for generations of Kiwis.
“We all agree that tech leaders and industry have a role and responsibility to guide and support initiatives to retrain people for the new skills paradigm brought on by technological change,” Kennedy said. “The development of the next generation of workers is also critical.”
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