The Future Of Australian Manufacturing Industry

The rapid growth in exports of manufactures from developing countries has unsettled the performance of manufacturing activities in many developed countries. Asian countries are heavily involved in the export of manufactures. Australia typifies the problems faced by the developed countries. How should Australia respond? Should it attempt to isolate itself from Asia? Or should it attempt to integrate itself with Asia? Is the removal of import restraints a prerequisite for closer integration? Or can closer integration be achieved by alternative approaches which are more politically acceptable? These issues are discussed.

This book examines how global technological advances shape the way we work and allocate work today, and how we might do so in the future, exploring advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, green technology and implications for workforce skills and future welfare. It uses Australia as a case study, contrasting the country’s experience to those elsewhere. The book is a cross-disciplinary collaboration that brings together the expertise of engineers, data scientists, economists and sociologists. The reader is offered an overview of the current uses of advanced digital technologies and what it means for today’s workforce, society and economy. The book also looks to the future. Current uses of advanced technologies lag its already existing capability. The contributions note potential future applications of technology and the economic, social and workplace implications of technological change. This book should be of interest to anyone studying and wishing to better understand what work might look like in the future and how we might prepare for likely changes.