The past two decades have been characterized by accelerated growth of new technologies in the fields of robotics, communications and information systems, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy and more. Technologies that affect all areas of the economy (health, education, industry, agriculture, trade, etc.) and dictate new work patterns, new professions while others disappear and appropriate training and skills. In the business sector in Israel, there is often a claim of a shortage of manpower in various fields (cyber, computers, electricity, water, energy, environment, construction, infrastructure, etc.). The Russian immigration that arrived in the 1990s increased the technological and scientific labor force in all areas of the economy, but the immigrants who integrated into academia and industry are now at retirement age and the State of Israel must examine whether technological / vocational education and academic education supply suitable manpower to meet market needs. The formulation of a long-term science and technology policy is an important task, based on analyzing the development trends of various technological fields over time, understanding the potential contribution of science and technology to the economy and society, and identifying barriers that hinder possible developments (IDC, 2001).
This study was conducted as part of a four-year tender for the National Council for Research and Development in the Ministry of Science and Technology. The objective of this study is to execute forecasts of the needs of scientific and technological personnel for selected fields / professions (for example: chemistry, robotics, nanotechnology, cyber protection) for the short term (10 years).
This report, which was submitted at the end of the first year of the project, includes a review of technological forecasts in selected countries and the adjustment of the forecasts to Israel, which was conducted through interviews with experts and policy makers from various fields. Each of the topics included a survey of literature in the field, mapping of the field, various tools such as brainstorming, interviews with experts or a questionnaire for companies that were used to understand the needs of each field and presented the conclusions and recommendations.
We hope that this work will help to expand understanding and knowledge about future demands for scientific and technological manpower, and to guide and prioritize investments in human resources training in science and technology in areas of demand.
