Influences of the 'social contract', technology and restructuring, and training on the supply and demand for skilled technology workers

This article is designed to trace the forces influencing the supply and demand for 'knowledge workers'. The effects of technology and restructuring are the most important from industry's standpoint in influencing demand because industry as a whole 'does not do enough' training to help in the supply, based on the comments of experts. The incentives provided by industry through the 'social contract' with workers, as discussed, are as essential as training in affecting the supply of these workers. But because industry does not want to train unless there is a condition of payback in its investment in training, such preparation is left to the high schools and colleges. Thus school-to-work transitions are needed as an important part of what high schools and colleges should offer.