Read the text and do the exercises.More and
more of the things that used to be science fiction are quickly becoming science
fact. Human-like robots, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, advanced
genomics, 3D printing are just a few drivers of major change that could
transform the job markets of the future.
Automation
now gets a lot of attention. Based on current technologies, about half of all
economic activities worldwide could be automated by 2055. And roughly six out
of every 10 occupations are likely to have 30 percent or more of their tasks
automated. Anything that involves physical activity in a controlled environment
is at the greatest risk of being automated. But many futurists expect robots or
intelligent machines to eventually take over a lot of office and white-collar
tasks as well.
Technology
is probably the strongest force that will influence the labor markets of
tomorrow, but many other factors will play major roles too. The future is also
likely to be transformed by factors such as the growing "sharing economy,"
the rise of freelance and project-based work, the expanded use of blockchain
technology for economic transactions, and an exponential increase in data
collection related to almost all areas of our lives.
Humanity
may face many challenges, but we can't stop exploring or having fun. And
technology will keep opening new avenues for exploration, entertainment, and
recreation. For example, imagine regular manned missions to the moon and Mars,
space elevators to orbital hotels, underwater cruise ships, wall-sized
holographic TVs, fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences, and real or
holographic "avatars." All of those things could become reality in
the coming decades. So new occupations will likely emerge based on what
explorers and fun-minded visionaries imagine as being part of humanity's best
future. Jobs that arise from these factors will be some of the coolest
occupations that have ever existed.