Digital disruption is impacting the world of work, right across the planet. Some digital technologies displace workers, shifting them into other roles. But technologies such as robots and artificial intelligence automate tasks, job roles and activities, replacing workers completely.

Predictions are that 47% of “old world” jobs will disappear. And there won’t be enough “new world” jobs to replace them. The challenge varies across industries, with some sectors facing High Threat, some Medium and some Low. But all sectors are challenged in some way.

Robotisation, AI, IoT, VR, AR, blockchain, remote sensing, 3D printing, cybersecurity, drones, nanotechnology, big data, cloud services, BIM, cryptocurrency, Identity management, facial recognition, social media, Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Uber and others are all changing the traditional world of work, and this makes it nearly impossible to plan study, career and work options with confidence.

Jobs don’t exist in a vacuum. It is organisations – corporates, businesses, not-for-profits, government and academic institutions - that provide work, and create and offer jobs. So the challenge of digital disruption is to the very existence and success of organisations themselves, not just to jobs. 

All organisations seek to become more productive, efficient and profitable and technology offers that possibility.

The automation of tasks through the use of software, robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence is a natural outcome of the digital revolution, reducing costs, increasing profitability and eliminating jobs as a result.

A small business can’t afford to employ staff it doesn’t need. Large businesses are driven by shareholder demand for profits and will use software and other technology tools to replace employees to achieve this. So job erosion is a natural consequence of digital disruption.