(108a) The Valence of Skills: The Rise of Hybrid Jobs

Abstract TBD

New technologies are creating new jobs, but they are also changing the skills required for existing jobs. Overall, the half-life of skills is declining rapidly. But a more profound change is the way in which skills are bonding with one another in unexpected and sometimes transformative ways. These hybrid jobs challenge traditional, siloed structures of education. What’s more, in this environment, technical skills, while critical, are not sufficient—even in STEM roles. To keep from becoming obsolete, today’s students will need to acquire a set of New Foundational Skills, combining technical expertise with the human skills to work with others and the business skills needed to get things done.