News & Events

With a host of transformational challenges putting pressure on labour markets today, a line from Robert Atkinson and Jeffrey Brown’s latest paper struck me: “Nothing about the future of work is inevitable.” Their paper, The Future of Work: A Guide for TransAtlantic Policymakers, is intended to reaffirm that in the face of structural change, coming impacts can be mitigated through dedicated effort and smart policy.

Read More > “Higher education’s next challenge: Mid-career workers”

It seems everywhere you look, people are talking about transformation in Canadian workplaces. Robots, driverless cars and Internet-enabled machines are changing the nature of work.

Read More > “Canada’s polytechnics represent disruption in action”

It’s at polytechnics and colleges where businesses experiment with new technology, processes, and software. These institutions often put students to work on real-world business challenges.

Read More > “Polytechnics and colleges, natural allies to businesses, deserve more access to government funding”

When the federal Liberals took power in 2015, they made evidence a key priority in policy-making. Yet, three years on, we still don’t have the data that will enable the development of a future-forward workforce in Canada. We have data that focuses largely on traditional occupations, but the changing nature of jobs, and the need for whole new skill sets, requires that we broaden our thinking.

Read More > “Canada needs new data for a new economy”

The changing nature of work is a hot topic these days and policy makers across the globe must grapple with the challenges it presents. In our search for solutions, we need to remember that the future of work is inextricably linked to the future of education.

Read More > “Robot Proof: What Joseph Aoun’s latest book means for higher education in Canada”

When leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies meet on June 8 and 9 in Charlevoix, Que., the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future.

Read More > “The need to nurture a skills economy”

It’s hard to find anyone these days who’s not talking about artificial intelligence (AI), robots, automation, the gig economy and what it all means for the future of work. Global diplomatic circles are no different. In June, when leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies meet in Charlevoix, Quebec, the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future.

Read More > “Our planning for the future of work must include education”

Outstanding discovery research occurs at universities across the country. However, far too often, this research fails to arrive at the commercial marketplace. Consecutive governments have attempted to tackle this challenge, focusing research dollars on particular aspects of the research-innovation ecosystem. This has left those not in the funding limelight to cry protest, plead neglect or worse, be under-valued. Yet the reality is that we need to support all types of research.

Read More > “Applied research is reclaiming contaminated urban industrial sites”