Creating our future transport and mobility workforce: Understanding the workforce implications of transport digitalisation and automation in Australia

Digital innovations in transport and freight are needed to enhance the performance and efficiency of these vital sectors of the Australian economy. A number of measures available in the literature, however, indicate that Australia’s transport sector falls behind on digitalisation and automation trends compared to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. There is also emerging concern that Australia will face digital skills challenges that may further limit the widespread deployment of advanced technology solutions. At the same time, introduction of digital and automated solutions may open-up new industry sectors and occupations that were not available previously. Forward planning and early introduction of targeted policies and mitigation measures will assist in reducing the impacts on job losses due to automation and identifying the digital skills gaps and retraining opportunities needed to redeploy displaced employees. Future vehicle automation and Mobility-as-a-Service solutions could, on the other hand, offer opportunities to free up human resources from driving tasks to be diverted to enhanced customer service-focused tasks or improving the safety of operations through remote monitoring and interventions. This research aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the workforce implications resulting from the digitalisation and automation of transport in Australia. The research aimed to assess the future skills gaps and training needs as a result of technological change and identified new skills and job opportunities arising from the introduction of automated transport interventions.